Veteran Hunger and Homeless Initiatives around the Country

Published May 5th, 2010
Feed Our Vets is a group dedicated to monitoring the strategies and activities of organizations with its shared goal of helping hungry and homeless Veterans across the country. Feed Our Vets understands that assisting the soldiers who protect America’s freedoms is a nationwide effort, and it applauds the efforts of groups who are committed to helping Veterans overcome the challenges of adjusting to civilian life, reuniting them with friends and family and ensuring that their medical and employment needs are met.

A New Homeless Veteran Transition Program in Fort Worth

Partnering with Mental Health Department of Tarrant County and Veterans Administration, Liberty House in Ft. Worth, Texas, is ready to accept homeless Veterans in a new transition program. The effort is part of Mayor Mike Moncrief’s 10-year plan to end homelessness, and Liberty House’s goal is to reconnect former soldiers with their families and their communities. Between 55 and 75 Veterans will be served each year, and the program will also provide support services that include recovery and employment help.

Rehabilitation Program in Philadelphia

The Perimeter, a new program at the Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service Educational Center, is a rehabilitation and training program with the goal of Veterans helping veterans. The project will provide a hot breakfast and lunch to former soldiers, as well as laundry facilities, hygiene and general outreach. Also, a representative from the regional VA office will regularly be at the Center to give assistant on Veterans claims, benefits and legal help.

Agriculture Training in Michigan

The Vets to Ag program at Michigan State University, which is funded by No Worker Left Behind, is seeking to re-train Veterans for new careers in agriculture. The project launched in September of 2009, and is currently in its second session. One group of Veterans spent six weeks at MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station near Kalamazoo, and took classes led by the school’s professors. Coursework includes collegiate-level training in pesticides, soil science and Spanish.

Gainesville Grand Opening, Full Service Homeless Center for Vets

The HONOR Center, a full-service homeless center for Veterans had its grand opening in Gainesville, Florida, and among its host of services, will offer counseling, job skills training and therapy. The program will also include dormitory-style living for female homeless Veterans called The Residence. Veterans will have up to six months of access to services, buffet dining and numerous therapeutic activities.

Denver Program Sees Veterans Homeless Double

Denver’s Homeless Veteran Reintegration Project is in its seventh year of operation, and has seen the number of Veterans seeking help double since the recent economic collapse. The program provides nearly everything, from bus tokens to work boots and clothing. Also offered are resume help, training classes and a vast network of services. The program has been a great success, and has been a recipient of the American Legion Department of Colorado’s Homeless Veteran Outreach Award.

Veteran Housing Program in Atlantic City

A new project by Community Quest Inc. seeks to turn an entire apartment complex in Atlantic City into 100% Veteran-occupied housing. Community Quest is also beginning construction on a similar conversion program in nearby Tuckerton. Both locations will have on-site staff, case management services and employment-related counseling.

All-Veteran residences in New York

The Jericho Project’s Veteran’s Initiative is constructing two new all-Veteran residences in New York, the first expansion project of its type in 16 years. Also, this project includes an expansion of the Supportive Apartment Program to include 40 units. The efforts also call for continued services for Veterans based on prior Jericho projects.

Therapy Group for Veterans in Pennsylvania

A new program called the Scratch Team aims to help keep Veterans off drugs and the dangerous path of addiction in Pennsylvania. The group, which itself is comprised of five ex-drug addict Veterans, leads a twice-monthly therapy group for returning soldiers at City Light Ministries. One of the group’s founders, who has been drug-free for 10 years, works at a nearby Veteran Affairs Medical Center, and is able to offer additional guidance, rehabilitation and counseling in their recoveries.

Veteran Stand Down in Georgia

In Georgia, the Columbus Convention and Trade Center will host Operation Stand Down, a program targeting homeless Veterans. The program is designed to give help on benefits and pension, housing, voter registration and Social Security. Certain low income and homeless Veterans can receive special legal and housing support, in addition to physical exams and screenings. Also available will be hot meals, haircuts, comfort items and clothing. Veterans can also schedule appointments with a variety of agencies for follow-up assistance.