For a veteran who has experienced homelessness, housing insecurity, or a difficult transition, receiving the keys to a new home can be a life-changing moment. But walking through the door of an empty apartment or house can also present another challenge: How do you turn an empty space into a home?Elks Lodge 1774 is answering that question with its new Welcome Home Kit, a Veterans Service Committee initiative designed to provide essential household items to eligible local veterans who are establishing a new home.The program is being led by Phil Hanley, Chairman of the Veterans Service Committee of Elks Lodge 1774, who is working collaboratively with organizations throughout the community to identify veterans who may benefit from assistance. The program operates under the purview of and is funded by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.Working Together for Veterans
For a veteran who has experienced homelessness, housing insecurity, or a difficult transition, receiving the keys to a new home can be a life-changing moment. But walking through the door of an empty apartment or house can also present another challenge: How do you turn an empty space into a home?
Elks Lodge 1774 is answering that question with its new Welcome Home Kit, a Veterans Service Committee initiative designed to provide essential household items to eligible local veterans who are establishing a new home.
The program is being led by Phil Hanley, Chairman of the Veterans Service Committee of Elks Lodge 1774, who is working collaboratively with organizations throughout the community to identify veterans who may benefit from assistance. The program operates under the purview of and is funded by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.
Working Together for Veterans
The Welcome Home Kit is built around a simple idea: organizations serving veterans can accomplish more when they work together.
Chairman Hanley is developing relationships with organizations such as United Against Poverty, the Homeless Services Council of Indian River County, local Veteran Service Officers, recognized veterans organizations, and other community service organizations.These organizations have direct knowledge of veterans and families who may be experiencing housing challenges. Through referrals and collaboration, they can help connect veterans with the Welcome Home Kit when appropriate.What Does the Kit Provide?Each veteran’s needs are different, so assistance will be tailored to available resources and the individual’s circumstances.Depending on need, a Welcome Home Kit may include:Bedding and linensTowelsBasic kitchenware and cookwareDishes, glasses and utensilsCleaning suppliesBasic household necessitiesOther essential items needed to establish a functional homeThe purpose is straightforward: to help a veteran move into a home with the basic necessities needed to begin the next chapter of life.How Veterans Can ApplyVeterans who need assistance can contact the Elks Lodge 1774 Veterans Service Committee or speak with one of the participating community organizations. See the program website for more information.A veteran may also be referred by a:Local Veteran Service OfficerVeterans organizationHomeless-services organizationCommunity service organizationAgency assisting with housing or veteran servicesOnce a referral is received, the Veterans Service Committee can work with the veteran and referring organization to determine the household needs and what assistance may be available.Our Community Can HelpThe Welcome Home Kit is also an opportunity for the entire community to support those who have served our country.Elks Lodge 1774 welcomes support from members, local businesses, civic organizations, churches, veterans organizations, and community residents who would like to help.Donations of appropriate new household items, financial contributions, or assistance from local businesses can help expand the number of veterans the program is able to serve.Every contribution can help provide something as simple—and as meaningful—as a clean set of sheets, a towel, a set of dishes, or the basic supplies needed to make an empty house feel like home.A Welcome Home From Our CommunityThe men and women who have served our country have given much in service to others. When they return home and face difficult circumstances, Elks Lodge 1774 believes our community should be there for them.The Welcome Home Kit is one way Lodge 1774 can put that commitment into action.We cannot always change the circumstances that brought a veteran to a new home. But together, we can help make that home a place where a veteran can begin again.The Vero Beach Elks Lodge is true to our national pledge: "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them".
Chairman Hanley is developing relationships with organizations such as United Against Poverty, the Homeless Services Council of Indian River County, local Veteran Service Officers, recognized veterans organizations, and other community service organizations.
These organizations have direct knowledge of veterans and families who may be experiencing housing challenges. Through referrals and collaboration, they can help connect veterans with the Welcome Home Kit when appropriate.
What Does the Kit Provide?
Each veteran’s needs are different, so assistance will be tailored to available resources and the individual’s circumstances.
Depending on need, a Welcome Home Kit may include:
The purpose is straightforward: to help a veteran move into a home with the basic necessities needed to begin the next chapter of life.
How Veterans Can Apply
Veterans who need assistance can contact the Elks Lodge 1774 Veterans Service Committee or speak with one of the participating community organizations. See the program website for more information.
A veteran may also be referred by a:
Once a referral is received, the Veterans Service Committee can work with the veteran and referring organization to determine the household needs and what assistance may be available.
Our Community Can Help
The Welcome Home Kit is also an opportunity for the entire community to support those who have served our country.
Elks Lodge 1774 welcomes support from members, local businesses, civic organizations, churches, veterans organizations, and community residents who would like to help.
Donations of appropriate new household items, financial contributions, or assistance from local businesses can help expand the number of veterans the program is able to serve.
Every contribution can help provide something as simple—and as meaningful—as a clean set of sheets, a towel, a set of dishes, or the basic supplies needed to make an empty house feel like home.
A Welcome Home From Our Community
The men and women who have served our country have given much in service to others. When they return home and face difficult circumstances, Elks Lodge 1774 believes our community should be there for them.
The Welcome Home Kit is one way Lodge 1774 can put that commitment into action.
We cannot always change the circumstances that brought a veteran to a new home. But together, we can help make that home a place where a veteran can begin again.
The Vero Beach Elks Lodge is true to our national pledge: "So long as there are veterans, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will never forget them".
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