-(BUSINESS WIRE)--On Saturday, October 30, 2010, the Atlanta VA Medical Center will host a “Stand Down” for homeless veterans in the greater Atlanta metro area. Many of the activities for this event are made possible by the dedication and generosity of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation (MOPHSF).
“Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.”
On 27 September 2010, the MOPHSF staged its 15th annual “Play it Again Pete” golf tournament at the Northwood Country Club to benefit the Metro Atlanta Homeless Veterans Program. Named in honor of Pete Wheeler, who for 61 years has been the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for the State of Georgia, this year’s event raised $63,850 to assist the Atlanta VA Medical Center in the conduct of their homeless veteran program. For the past 10 years, the man behind the scenes in bringing this wonderful event to life has been James Randles, a Past National Commander of the MOPH and Board Director of the Service Foundation. Randles is a combat wounded veteran of the Vietnam War and a Decatur resident. Assisting in the planning and promotion has been Dr. Ken Heard, himself a physician at the Atlanta VA Medical Center.
According to Randles, “There are over 8,000 homeless veterans in the Atlanta area. The proceeds from this event will help many veterans who might not otherwise be able to help themselves, be able to re-establish themselves through the resources and support of many businesses, corporations, and individuals in the Atlanta.”
The organization now known as the "Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc.," (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all combat wounded veterans and active duty men and women who have received the decoration. Chartered by the Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote Patriotism, Fraternalism, and the Preservation of America's military history. Most importantly, through veteran service, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers selflessly provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA medical facilities and State Veterans Homes.
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Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts
Showing posts with label homeless. Show all posts
18 October 2010
23 June 2010
More than 14,000 veterans to benefit from more than $24 million in job training grants
/PRNewswire/ -- At a White House forum of the U.S. Interagency Council of Homelessness today, Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis announced 97 grants, totaling more than $24 million, to provide approximately 14,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program.
"This administration is committed to ending homelessness. Achieving that goal is crucial to restoring the strength of our economy and the right thing to do for our nation as a whole," said Secretary Solis. "These grants will help more than 14,000 homeless veterans across the country find meaningful employment, and they will help ensure that these remarkable individuals never face homelessness again."
Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These agencies are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.
"Homelessness is a tragedy that affects far too many of America's veterans, both women and men," said Sara Manzano-Diaz, director of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau. "There are barriers unique to women veterans that leave them vulnerable to homelessness. The grants announced today, combined with available social services, will provide the holistic assistance necessary to help reintegrate these women into the labor force."
To assist homeless veterans with reintegration into America's workforce, the Labor Department is distributing these funds nationwide through 33 newly selected grantees and 64 current grantees receiving second-and third-year funding. Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless.
Grantees under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program coordinate their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers. A list of grantees and general information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets.
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"This administration is committed to ending homelessness. Achieving that goal is crucial to restoring the strength of our economy and the right thing to do for our nation as a whole," said Secretary Solis. "These grants will help more than 14,000 homeless veterans across the country find meaningful employment, and they will help ensure that these remarkable individuals never face homelessness again."
Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These agencies are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.
"Homelessness is a tragedy that affects far too many of America's veterans, both women and men," said Sara Manzano-Diaz, director of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau. "There are barriers unique to women veterans that leave them vulnerable to homelessness. The grants announced today, combined with available social services, will provide the holistic assistance necessary to help reintegrate these women into the labor force."
To assist homeless veterans with reintegration into America's workforce, the Labor Department is distributing these funds nationwide through 33 newly selected grantees and 64 current grantees receiving second-and third-year funding. Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. The Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless.
Grantees under the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program coordinate their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers. A list of grantees and general information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found at http://www.dol.gov/vets.
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03 March 2009
President Affirms Commitment to Veterans
/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- President Barack Obama's proposed Fiscal Year 2010 budget for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) affirms his administration's promise to swiftly address the needs of America's veterans, particularly those who are serving in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 15% increase proposed by the president will greatly improve delivery of critical health care, seamless transition from military service to veteran status, and the processing of veterans' benefits claims.
An equally historic testament of Obama's commitment occurred days before the release of his budget plan. On February 24, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan attended a historic meeting with the Board of Directors of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV). They pledged their personal support to the community-based organizations working to end and prevent homelessness among veterans.
NCHV, which represents those organizations, has played a key role in reducing veteran homelessness by more than 40 percent in the last eight years, and has led the campaign for record funding levels in the budgets of several federal agencies: http://www.nchv.org/news_article.cfm?id=496.
"Many of us are veterans ourselves," NCHV Board Vice Chairman Patrick Ryan said to the new Cabinet officers. "Most of us have been involved directly addressing the needs of homeless veterans in our communities in every state in this nation.
"In the last eight years, there has been a significant increase in federal support for funding available to NCHV member organizations that provide direct support for homeless veterans. Not coincidentally, there has also been a significant decrease in the estimated number of homeless veterans. While our members are grateful for the federal support and are proud of the tens of thousands of veterans who have regained their dignity and ability to contribute to society, we cringe when we recall the opportunities that have been lost to serve more veterans during this time frame."
Shinseki and Donovan acknowledged the role of NCHV in the expanding campaign to end veteran homelessness as Ryan offered the organization's resources and experience to achieve that goal. "We understand no single agency can adequately address all the needs of homeless veterans," he said. "We offer our help to break down the silos which prevent government departments from working together in the most effective manner possible. NCHV member organizations work with our cities, counties, states, federal agencies, and other community organizations - including veteran service organizations - to obtain the resources to be successful. We truly believe we are the most effective instrument in the quest to end chronic homelessness among veterans."
Ryan commended Congress for recent actions based on NCHV recommendations to expand funding for veteran permanent supportive housing initiatives within HUD and VA, citing those as critical examples of what is possible through effective partnerships.
"We would also note that VA and Department of Defense own significant vacant land and unutilized buildings, and VA has nearly $50 million in unspent funds intended to provide housing for veterans but which cannot be spent due to changes in the housing landscape. We believe these assets are the cornerstones of an aggressive program for thousands of new units of permanent supportive housing for veterans who, due to health and economic hardships, deserve this nation's help in their greatest hour of need."
Record spending levels for successful community-based homeless assistance programs in partnership with the VA, HUD and Department of Labor in Fiscal Year 2009, and the president's first federal budget plan for FY 2010, signal a new era in the campaign to end and prevent homelessness for our nation's veterans.
Congress, the Obama administration, and our federal partners are on course to do what most Americans thought impossible just a decade ago. NCHV has helped change the history of this great nation, but the credit belongs to the sacrifices and triumphs of the military veterans we all serve.
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An equally historic testament of Obama's commitment occurred days before the release of his budget plan. On February 24, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan attended a historic meeting with the Board of Directors of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV). They pledged their personal support to the community-based organizations working to end and prevent homelessness among veterans.
NCHV, which represents those organizations, has played a key role in reducing veteran homelessness by more than 40 percent in the last eight years, and has led the campaign for record funding levels in the budgets of several federal agencies: http://www.nchv.org/news_article.cfm?id=496.
"Many of us are veterans ourselves," NCHV Board Vice Chairman Patrick Ryan said to the new Cabinet officers. "Most of us have been involved directly addressing the needs of homeless veterans in our communities in every state in this nation.
"In the last eight years, there has been a significant increase in federal support for funding available to NCHV member organizations that provide direct support for homeless veterans. Not coincidentally, there has also been a significant decrease in the estimated number of homeless veterans. While our members are grateful for the federal support and are proud of the tens of thousands of veterans who have regained their dignity and ability to contribute to society, we cringe when we recall the opportunities that have been lost to serve more veterans during this time frame."
Shinseki and Donovan acknowledged the role of NCHV in the expanding campaign to end veteran homelessness as Ryan offered the organization's resources and experience to achieve that goal. "We understand no single agency can adequately address all the needs of homeless veterans," he said. "We offer our help to break down the silos which prevent government departments from working together in the most effective manner possible. NCHV member organizations work with our cities, counties, states, federal agencies, and other community organizations - including veteran service organizations - to obtain the resources to be successful. We truly believe we are the most effective instrument in the quest to end chronic homelessness among veterans."
Ryan commended Congress for recent actions based on NCHV recommendations to expand funding for veteran permanent supportive housing initiatives within HUD and VA, citing those as critical examples of what is possible through effective partnerships.
"We would also note that VA and Department of Defense own significant vacant land and unutilized buildings, and VA has nearly $50 million in unspent funds intended to provide housing for veterans but which cannot be spent due to changes in the housing landscape. We believe these assets are the cornerstones of an aggressive program for thousands of new units of permanent supportive housing for veterans who, due to health and economic hardships, deserve this nation's help in their greatest hour of need."
Record spending levels for successful community-based homeless assistance programs in partnership with the VA, HUD and Department of Labor in Fiscal Year 2009, and the president's first federal budget plan for FY 2010, signal a new era in the campaign to end and prevent homelessness for our nation's veterans.
Congress, the Obama administration, and our federal partners are on course to do what most Americans thought impossible just a decade ago. NCHV has helped change the history of this great nation, but the credit belongs to the sacrifices and triumphs of the military veterans we all serve.
-----
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25 June 2008
Chairman Calls Homeless Veterans 'Hugely Important Issue'
Calling the issue "hugely important," the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff today said the nation must fully integrate efforts to help homeless veterans.
"How do we reach out to them, and how do we create opportunities?" Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen asked an audience of about 200 members of various organizations that make up the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in a speech at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel here.
"I consider [homeless veterans] to be a hugely important issue," Mullen said. "We need to do everything we can, as a country, to fully integrate our efforts to understand and help those – our veterans – who have given so much."
The coalition, which is holding its annual convention this week, is dedicated to strengthening and increasing funding for homeless veteran assistance programs, ranging from employment to housing issues. It provides information about program development and administration, as well as governance and funding guidance to all of the nation's homeless veteran service providers, according to the organization's Web site.
Mullen shared his appreciation for the coalition and its work.
"I am incredibly grateful for what you do and keeping [homeless veteran] issues bubbling; not just based on homeless veterans of [the war on terror], but of the entire population and past wars," he said.
Mullen spoke about his generation of servicemembers and serving during the Vietnam War era. Vietnam veterans make up a large percentage of the homeless veterans in the country, said Mullen, who received his commission in 1968.
He expressed his sympathy for the many homeless Vietnam veterans who weren't aware of post-traumatic stress syndrome and who have battled unemployment for years because of the disability. He also revealed his concern for veterans of more recent and current conflicts.
"One of the things I said when [operations in Iraq] started in 2003, 'As we go back to war and put so many people in harm's way, I would do all I can not to generate another generation of homeless veterans as we did when I was growing up with Vietnam,'" he said. "I had no clue in 2003 that I would eventually be in the position I am in now, but now that I am, I'm anxious to help."
Mullen reiterated his point that tackling the homeless veterans issue has to be a collective and integrated effort at the local and national levels among the government, society and nonprofit organizations, such as the coalition.
"The vision isn't anything without execution," Mullen said. "It has to be a team effort, and I'm truly grateful for what [the coalition] is doing."
The coalition's convention features workshops about issues such as public policy and current legislation pertaining to homeless veteran issues, reporting and regulation requirements for federal grants, and legal issues veterans may face.
The convention also will provide training groups focused on issues including employment resources for veterans, women veterans, early intervention and prevention of homelessness for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, incarcerated veterans.
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
"How do we reach out to them, and how do we create opportunities?" Navy Adm. Michael G. Mullen asked an audience of about 200 members of various organizations that make up the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans in a speech at the Grand Hyatt Washington Hotel here.
"I consider [homeless veterans] to be a hugely important issue," Mullen said. "We need to do everything we can, as a country, to fully integrate our efforts to understand and help those – our veterans – who have given so much."
The coalition, which is holding its annual convention this week, is dedicated to strengthening and increasing funding for homeless veteran assistance programs, ranging from employment to housing issues. It provides information about program development and administration, as well as governance and funding guidance to all of the nation's homeless veteran service providers, according to the organization's Web site.
Mullen shared his appreciation for the coalition and its work.
"I am incredibly grateful for what you do and keeping [homeless veteran] issues bubbling; not just based on homeless veterans of [the war on terror], but of the entire population and past wars," he said.
Mullen spoke about his generation of servicemembers and serving during the Vietnam War era. Vietnam veterans make up a large percentage of the homeless veterans in the country, said Mullen, who received his commission in 1968.
He expressed his sympathy for the many homeless Vietnam veterans who weren't aware of post-traumatic stress syndrome and who have battled unemployment for years because of the disability. He also revealed his concern for veterans of more recent and current conflicts.
"One of the things I said when [operations in Iraq] started in 2003, 'As we go back to war and put so many people in harm's way, I would do all I can not to generate another generation of homeless veterans as we did when I was growing up with Vietnam,'" he said. "I had no clue in 2003 that I would eventually be in the position I am in now, but now that I am, I'm anxious to help."
Mullen reiterated his point that tackling the homeless veterans issue has to be a collective and integrated effort at the local and national levels among the government, society and nonprofit organizations, such as the coalition.
"The vision isn't anything without execution," Mullen said. "It has to be a team effort, and I'm truly grateful for what [the coalition] is doing."
The coalition's convention features workshops about issues such as public policy and current legislation pertaining to homeless veteran issues, reporting and regulation requirements for federal grants, and legal issues veterans may face.
The convention also will provide training groups focused on issues including employment resources for veterans, women veterans, early intervention and prevention of homelessness for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, incarcerated veterans.
By Army Staff Sgt. Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
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