Veterans News

Five Steps to Set Up a Furniture Program

San Rafael, Calif., Lodge No. 1108 have been participating in the Welcome Home Kit program for six years. In that time, they’ve established strong partnerships, connected with multiple referral partners, and learned a few things.

In addition to using the Welcome Home Kit program to fund their supplies, they also collect furniture donations so they can help furnish veterans’ apartments with more items. The program is a hit with veterans, who receive extra items for their new homes, thanks for the Elks ingenuity. We reached out to Project Manager Peter Behr, who shared a few tips about San Rafael Lodge keeps their furniture program going strong.

  • Ascertain the local need for Welcome Home Kits. This is usually done by contacting your local VA and connecting with HUD-VASH Social Workers. However, some Lodges partner with nonprofit veterans transitional housing facilities, while others will work with a local Veterans Service Officer (VSO), who is tasked with keeping track of local veterans’ needs. You can search for a VSO near you by clicking here.

    Many veterans are placed into housing using Section 8 vouchers. These provide shelter, usually a small apartment, but nothing else. These veterans can benefit greatly from Welcome Home Kits, but those are often inadequate for furniture and kitchen needs.

  • Find a space to store furniture items. Ask members and local businesses for help. Once this is secured, put the word out to members and others who might be able to donate items. Along with furniture, kitchen items such as pots, pans, plates, silverware, and kitchen appliances are highly helpful.

  • If there is no space available, look for small space rentals, to be funded by your lodge. Our Lodge has been doing this for years, so we do an annual fundraiser to cover these costs.

  • Contact other veterans service organizations to share leads and spread the word. Our Lodge also refers veterans to other organizations for employment, educational and other opportunities.

  • Contact VA social workers and other referral sources regularly to remind them of your Lodge’s capabilities and resources.

It can be a lot of work, but it’s worth it. Behr shares, “We get paid, and well paid, in thank yous and smiles.”

If you’d like to learn more about how your Lodge can emulate this program, please contact our office and we’ll connect you with Peter Behr. If your Lodge has a similar program, please email Vets@elks.org to share your tips with us!

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