The nation’s top official for homelessness policy through most of the George W. Bush presidency is now tackling the issue through a new nonprofit organization, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Philip Mangano, director of the American Round Table to Abolish Homelessness, headed the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness from 2002 until last May. Mr. Mangano said he believes the Obama administration is on the right track on the issue, particularly in its efforts for homeless veterans. But he sees specific opportunities for his group.

“There are things you can do on the outside that you can’t do in government,” Mr. Mangano said, noting that he disagreed with some Bush-era cuts in housing and social-service programs but was unable to speak out because his job was to represent White House policy.