How do you help homeless veterans?

2014-10-22T17:14:26-04:00

I've really been bothered by our homeless brothers and sisters. I have been looking into starting a homeless veteran shelter/job assist. My question: Has anyone started one? If so could you help point the way? It pains me to see our fellow brothers and sisters living in the street, or worse. In my opinion if we don't take care of our own; no one else will. Would any of you be willing to help provide assistance (advice, finance, etc)?
Thank you

Essayons!

Response by 1LT Nick Kidwell made Oct 22 at 2014 5:17 PM

2014-10-22T17:17:37-04:00

I have volunteered and assisted at local shelters where homeless veterans sometimes need to stay. I would suggest first volunteering at an existing shelter, and perhaps speaking with the person in charge about the logistics and the realities of such a situation.

It's certainly a challenge, and you will be disappointed at the lack of honor in some people, but it's worth it to help our brothers and sisters in arms.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Oct 23 at 2014 12:14 PM

2014-10-23T12:14:30-04:00

CW3 Guy Snodgrass ,

I've managed to find two Veteran transition facilities in the US so far. Cave Junction, OR run by Manordev.com and Warriors that farm out of Kinnsboro, TX.
I'm in the process of setting up a nonprofit to start fundraising for a transition facility in Idaho to achieve pretty much the same thing. A shelter specifically for vets so that shuttle runs to the VA are more efficient. The NA/AA meetings are more likely to be attended because of the similar histories. On site clinic for most minor issues.
I got a few critics that think it's a little ambitious, but I've got the board put together and we'll be publishing the bylaws by the end of the month and filing the 1023 to be recognized as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS as soon as we can get the $850.
Otherwise, 1LT Nick Kidwell is right. Spend some time volunteering with DAV or a local shelter. It will give insight. I lucked out in that one of my board members is an administrator for a youth rehabilitation facility here in Idaho. She already has a handle on the logistics.

Response by CW3 Guy Snodgrass made Oct 24 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-10-24T11:11:41-04:00

I appreciate the advice and encouragement. I will follow up on the recommendations.

"It's certainly a challenge, and you will be disappointed at the lack of honor in some people, but it's worth it to help our brothers and sisters in arms." I expect this and is partly what has prompted my crusade. I have witnessed too many administrators taking advantage of the homeless (not just our veterans) and with my "temperament" I don't really have much patience with those kinds of folks.

I will make this happen...I just hope I can accomplish it sooner rather than later.

Again, thank you

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2014 12:00 PM

2014-10-24T12:00:00-04:00

CW3 Guy Snodgrass There is a fellow member of my VFW Post here in Holiday, FL. that is doing a wonderful job advocating and working towards several avenues to help our homeless brothers and sisters. I will be glad to put the two of you in contact so he can pass on any tidbits of info and guidance in your ear. He has been a driving force in our efforts for homeless veterans in our county here in Florida. Please accept my invitation and we can then chat via RP PM.

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Oct 24 at 2014 2:54 PM

2014-10-24T14:54:55-04:00

I volunteer and help out with the VALOR CLINIC (You can find them on Facebook). They are all about finding homeless veterans, transporting them to and from events that are set up to help them with food, clothing, medical check-ups, VA benefit enrollment, furniture, and more.

We actually go INTO the woods, into 'tent cities', and under bridges, to find the homeless veterans.

Valor Clinic is amazing and they get my FULL support and love.

Response by LCpl Andrew Yawger made Oct 26 at 2014 1:07 AM

2014-10-26T01:07:44-04:00

i live in new jersey and the VA here saved my life i had know where to go my parents didnt have no room at their house for me i was living on the streets i went to a dr visit at the va in lyons new jersey and they took me in and i got back on my feet in like 18 months they take care of you very well here they have plenty of free housing or very cheap housing for single vets. they helped me find a job and repair my credit and took care of all my legal issues i had and kept me out of jail and made me a better person.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 1:38 AM

2014-10-26T01:38:03-04:00

There is a program in Baltimore called MCVET that is pretty good. From their website:

The Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) is serving more than 250 veterans daily, through Five (5) distinct programs -- a Day Drop-In Program, an Emergency Program (13 weeks), a Transitional Housing Program (up to two years), a Follow-up Program, and 80 Single Room Occupancy apartments (SRO). A natural progression will be to go from the Day Drop-in Program, to the Emergency Program, to the Transitional Housing Program, to the SRO. Veteran applicants from outside MCVET's program, including female veterans, are also accepted into the SRO program, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. As the veterans enrolled at MCVET travel through this continuum, they receive an array of services that support our primary goal of empowering them to return to the families and communities.

http://www.mcvet.org/

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 1:40 AM

2014-10-26T01:40:09-04:00

You local employment office should have a disabled veteran outreach program specialist on hand that would have a good idea of the types of shelters in your area as well. I think Virginia calls theirs the Virginia Employment Commission. If you can get ahold of them they might be able to get you in touch with some of the local shelters so you can learn a little bit about starting your own.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2014 6:37 PM

2014-10-26T18:37:50-04:00

With respect, I know they are out there, but here , I've never met one who seemed like a real vet, or who would accept help from the VA if they were. NONE I stop to chat with during the past 9 years--hundreds...could tell me who their first sergeant was, the maximum range of the weapon they claim, their MOS....simple things. They can't all be PTSD with no memory. Recently a fellow showed up at a VA Clinic in full new BDUs hiting up other vets in the clinic for cash "to get home"--police knew him well--he was never a veteran. TODAY there were two panhandlers in Raleigh-Durham--one with dirty clothing but a nice haircut and trimmed beard, the other with red bloodshot eyes reeking of alcohol. NEITHER could name the motto of their unit; or tell me the difference between a serial number and a SSN (they both claim to be Vietnam Vets) and they both sheepishly walked away when I said we were sending some Rolling Thunder fellows to help them--if they really needed help; --so I am 1000+% supporting any true homeless vet--a nation as wealthy as ours should not have a single one; the VA could operate housing on former military bases, etc. On the other hand some choose to be "homeless". They earned the right to make that choice even if we do not believe they can make it intelligently. I just don't think they should be begging if they make that choice. And for the MAJORITY here who seem to be fakers--toss them off the nearest bridge.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Oct 26 at 2014 7:28 PM

2014-10-26T19:28:34-04:00

I believe in helping the homeless veterans, but finding out and proving they are truly vets can be hard, it is not like they are carrying their 214 with them, though some might be. When i see someone that is in their 40's and they are holding a sign that says vietnam vet, I have doubts. I also know the military taught you how to get things done, so I have a hard time accepting that the majority can't take care of them selves, though I am sure some just don't want to. Anyway, a true vet that is homeless, down on his luck and had his stack of cards fall on him/her, needs all the help that we can give them. That is one of the reasons I still serve with the VFW.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Oct 28 at 2014 7:23 PM

2014-10-28T19:23:39-04:00

CW3 Guy Snodgrass This organization has an outreach for Vets, and just purchased a school in St Louis, to provide a temporary place for people to get on their feet. http://www.ppcsinc.org/ Would be a good model to follow. They have events and community following. One place that helps them is an Irish Pub in that community, John D McGurks Saloon and Garden, how much your bill is, they will meet and donate that money to this organization. This is just one of many events that are held as fund raisers. Another event, they also sponsor Trivia Nights, where participants donate to play, and there are prizes donated to winners.

PETER & PAUL COMMUNITY SERVICES

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Oct 29 at 2014 8:38 AM

2014-10-29T08:38:25-04:00

Look up Valor Clinic on Facebook. Read their mission, look at their photos, and read their posts. It will give you ideas for your own outreach endeavors. Good stuff.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Oct 29 at 2014 9:42 AM

2014-10-29T09:42:09-04:00

Personally speaking, the best resource I've found for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan has been the IAVA. I know a lot of homeless veterans that we see out there are obviously too old to be an OEF or OIF veteran so in that case you can always ask any of the American Legion or VFW posts to point you in the right direction -- bear in mind that a lot of those posts tend to be spots where old warriors who aren't OEF/OIF just go to get drunk at 10am, so if their solution is "bring him here", I suggest tactfully and politely asking for their veteran assistance contacts.

You sometimes have to be careful. There've been more than a few publicized cases of fraudulent claims, I think "Angry Beard Guy" was outed as a phony and there was also a homeless person who was spotted driving off in a shiny new car (not sure if they ever played the veteran card). I don't wanna be a debbie downer here, so just exercise caution.

Response by Sgt Michael Baker made Nov 1 at 2014 6:24 PM

2014-11-01T18:24:36-04:00

There is a new 3 year grant available for companies that have programs to help homeless and or prevent those at risk for being homeless. Is is intended for small grassroots companies with the idea being that by making money available to them many or some will opt in to help eliminate the homeless veteran crisis.
" Only proposals from initial supportive service grant programs will be considered. Currently funded SSVF grantees are not eligible to apply for funding under this NOFA. VA has designed this 3-year effort to provide a surge of resources in communities with the highest need. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time on December 5, 2014. VA will award the grants in March 2015. Awards made for supportive services grants will fund operations beginning approximately March 1, 2015 through February 28, 2017. "
Check link for more info http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program - Homeless Veterans

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program

Response by CW3 Guy Snodgrass made Nov 6 at 2014 1:30 PM

2014-11-06T13:30:52-05:00

As an addition to my original post (as well as others I have seen posted on RP) I just came across this article http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/feeding-the-homeless-act-of-charity-or-a-crime/ar-BBdijkL "Feeding the homeless: Act of charity or a crime?"

I guess I would be fined as my wife and I have and do help feed the homeless in DC. Has anyone else heard of this or came across these "laws"?

Response by SSG Graham Kelly made Feb 5 at 2015 9:02 AM

2015-02-05T09:02:26-05:00

There are effective programs out there search SSVF in your area. Supportive Services to Veteran Families, have as their main mission, rapid rehousing of qualified Veterans. There is no barrier to housing and the programs use a housing first approach. The qualified Veteran receives a Case manager for a fixed period usually 90 days , the CM will advocate on the Veteran's behalf for housing first and then link to services the Veteran may want /need.

http://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf.asp

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program - Homeless Veterans

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-04-07T13:08:45-04:00

The DMV area has a hugh homeless population. I wouldn't be surprised if most of our vets are mixed in with the other homeless individuals.
I can remember being homeless with a 4 year old son. It was pure determination that got me back on my feet.

Response by SGT Nathan Huff made Apr 19 at 2015 10:04 AM

2015-04-19T10:04:45-04:00

https://www.crowdrise.com/NIUVAHomelessness

My school veterans association is doing an event to raise awareness and money to help homeless veteran. Please share this and donate if possible. I am reaching out to all social sites as we work to promote this event and see it become successful. Please help this become a success.

Northern Illinois University Veteran Association Homeless Fundraiser | Joshua Eller's Fundraiser

17% of the homeless population are veterans.That means 150,000 veterans will be sleeping on the streets tonight. NO Veteran should be homeless. NIU Veteran Association invites you to our Homelessness Awareness Sleep out. We will be camping out at the MLK Commons on Northern Illinois University campus. This is to bring awareness to the men and women who have served our country that are affected by homelessness every day. All funds raised will...

Response by SPC Jan Allbright, M.Sc., R.S. made Apr 19 at 2015 10:18 AM

2015-04-19T10:18:33-04:00

I think all VFWs have service offices and mine even has a homeless out-reach officer. The VFW prides itself at being a Service organization (as opposed to Fraternal).

If your post does not have an out-reach, volunteer to be that person.
If your post has an out-reach person, volunteer to help that person.
There are multiple tasks that need to be done (food donation gathering, finding shelters, raising CASH and educating the general population).

It is more efficient to work an existing organization than starting a new one.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 19 at 2015 12:54 PM

2015-04-19T12:54:26-04:00

Go the nearest VA and find out what they have available for homeless veterans. Many of them have mental afflictions and chemical dependency.

Response by SGT Kennon Nilsen made Apr 23 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-04-23T19:06:36-04:00

I have become aware of group based out of Dallas, TX that tries to help with the whole soldier. http://www.honorcouragecommitment.org is the website.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 12:37 AM

2015-04-24T00:37:48-04:00

I can help with providing some access to resources. I also have a friend of mine (now civilian, was a Navy Corpsman). He actually did an article talking about it, and had me come in and do some discussions on methods that the VA is trying to combat the homelessness, and had some great statistics. He'd be the primary POC, but I have a limited amount of knowledge as well. I also think there's a group in Minnesota dedicated to homeless vets.
v/r,
CPT Butler

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Apr 24 at 2015 12:50 AM

2015-04-24T00:50:34-04:00

I agree with you on this subject. Too many of our military brethren are without homes and are subjected to unsuitable shelters. My wife and I have discussed starting a non-profit to address this issue. She has an investment properties business that sees the purchase, rehab and flipping of a home and I had suggested using that to aide homeless vets. If the right investors and business plan is presented, I'm certain the area in which the shelter is located would help with maintaining the costs of the shelter and perhaps set up an opportunity for multiple shelters in a particular area. That being said, there are considerable expenses that will most likely have to come out of pocket, along with the volunteer help. We still have a lot of things ahead of us before seriously entertaining this endeavor, but garnering local support would help a lot.

Response by Sgt John Spooner made Apr 24 at 2015 8:54 AM

2015-04-24T08:54:11-04:00

try looking into The Chive they seem to due quite well with funds and support vets are upbeat just a thought see what you think.
Spoons

Response by CPT Michael Maag made Apr 24 at 2015 10:16 AM

2015-04-24T10:16:37-04:00

This is shamefull.. i had a job once.. where a I employed kids to sell newpapers.. one day i came upon a disabled Vet.. who appeared to be down on his luck.. me AND the Kids pitched in to assist him.. and his statement to Us was.. " Only in America can we have Disabled Veterans on the Street.. and a Draft Dodger in the WhiteHouse." Clinton Era.. No Doubt..

Response by Sgt George Guthrie made Apr 24 at 2015 10:34 AM

2015-04-24T10:34:04-04:00

This is a very important issue that I too take seriously. This may be a different approach for you, but reach out to your local American Legion, VFW, even the PGR (Patriot Guard Riders). As the District 11, Director ALR (American Legion Riders, Georgia), A Past Director of the local ALR, and a Past PGR Ride Captain, we have been involved with a lot of homeless Veterans plus they have different avenues to help with things, such as advice on how, what, who, where, possible funding, etc. to do what you are trying to do.

Response by PVT Timothy Schreck made Apr 27 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-04-27T11:21:56-04:00

I'm in Chicago and next week I'm going with a vet group to drop supplies to a home that was built to help vets get back on their feet if you want send me you contact info and I'll pass it on to the co of the building.

Response by Cpl Dave Dziados made Apr 28 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-04-28T22:09:02-04:00

I just started full time rving I have a plan to help homeless I'm buying 40 acres of land in az my plan is to build a few tiny houses to get them on they're feet ids birth cert anything that I can.just to help them get on they're feet.I've been trying to get anyone that's interested to come out and give a hand.I'm currently on disability Va and Ssi.I can't do a lot of the heavy things and I'm far from rich but if I can get help with this I can't promise anyone cash money but I can put shelter over they're head and feed them .feel free to call me for more info.....Dave... [login to see]

Response by CH (MAJ) William Beaver made May 18 at 2015 2:22 AM

2015-05-18T02:22:00-04:00

Long before I entered the Army as a Chaplain, I served the nation as a civilian social worker caring for homeless people. In Atlanta I was manager and coordinator of volunteers for a shelter of 8 men who had tiny private rooms. I later served as manager of a residential facility for homeless gay men living with AIDS in Louisville, Kentucky. I saw Veterans at both places. Homelessness is often a preventable cycle. I helped guys leave that cycle for good, but it was difficult for them. Part of my strategy as Chaplain is to care for all my Ssrvicemembers, and particularly those exiting service for various reasons. I am helping the SM take a hard look at their options - including homelessness. We discuss it long before they ever enter that cycle. Together we develop stategies for them to work and live as a Veteran who does not need to become homeless. Over the years I have discovered that given the unfortunate correct conditions - I could become homeless. I never forget that. I guess as a.Chaplain one of the things I try to do is to prevent homelessness before it starts. And THAT is sometbing we can ALL do!

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made May 18 at 2015 5:54 AM

2015-05-18T05:54:04-04:00

I think that the American government needs to do so much more for our veterans. It appears that we are asked to do something for our country and when we are down it's like "Thank you, you're now on your own". I feel that we as veterans deserve so much more. Don't get me wrong I don't think that we should be given everything to us on a silver platter but give us a break and take care of us when we no longer can. I do realize that there are some vets that refuse help and that's their right. I also realize there are vets who, believe or not, prefer to be homeless again their choice. But the government needs to make every effort to touch base with them and remain in contact to ensure their wellbeing. My thoughts.

Response by Jackson Charles made Jul 24 at 2017 12:52 PM

2017-07-24T12:52:54-04:00

I know this is an old post, but there are some really good resources and programs out there for veterans having difficulty finding affordable housing, or facing homelessness. Here are a few programs and organizations that are good to look into:
- https://www.btg-foundation.org/
- This page lists multiple: https://maketheconnection.net/events/homelessness
- These guys have a $5,000 homeownership grant for eligible veterans: https://themortgagereports.com/29182/va-financial-benefits

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Jul 24 at 2017 1:24 PM

2017-07-24T13:24:17-04:00

How do you help? How do you know it's not a scam. To many homeless use the Vet card. Sa a guy the last 2 weeks had a sign Disabled Vet please help. One week he had a patch over left eye, next week it was over right eye. It is not that most of us don't want to help. But who wants to give to some Turd Claiming to be a vet just to get more money.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 25 at 2017 3:04 PM

2017-07-25T15:04:53-04:00

A look into eyes. Effective communication. Not fooled. Sincerity. Genuine person to understand their choice, forced and lack or or choice of: Understanding to be where they are.

Response by LTC(P) Christina Moore made Apr 21 at 2021 11:52 PM

2021-04-21T23:52:39-04:00

Guy Snodgrass, where do you plan to do this?

Response by Janeen Rosenberg made Sep 14 at 2021 8:02 PM

2021-09-14T20:02:15-04:00

Contact your local community that are full of resources to help you understand what programs are in effect especially the local churches, Salvation Army, Goodwill, United Way, etc.