Veterans News

2021-22 Freedom Grant Highlights

In April, ENVSC awarded 350 Freedom Grants to Elks Lodges around the country for projects that serve veterans and military families in need. Here are some of the projects we’re excited to see take shape in the upcoming year.

The Naval (Port Angeles), Washington, Lodge No. 353 hosts a veterans’ closet to provide basic needs like winter clothing, sleeping bags, food, and hygiene supplies for veterans who are facing homelessness or are temporarily displaced in the community. Elks use Freedom Grant funding and a network of community partnerships to identify veterans and be there to support them when they need it.

The Lodge is centrally located near the town’s main bus terminal, which makes access to the veterans’ closet easier. Elks also work with their partners to deliver supplies directly to veterans when necessary. This flexibility allows them to effectively reach more veterans.

At the Lincoln, Nebraska, Lodge No. 80, Elks are providing cleaning supplies and self-care products to veterans who are exiting homelessness. The Lodge is partnering with the VA to reach veterans at the Victory Apartments, a complex on the VA campus in Lincoln, Nebraska. Elks hope to give each veteran a sense of pride and the feeling that their new residence is not just a place to live, but a true home.

Once veterans move into their new homes, they need beds to sleep in. Ludlow, Massachusetts Lodge, No. 2448 is using a Freedom Grant to supply new beds and bedding for these veterans as they leave shelters to move into permanent housing.

Elks are partnering with Homeward Vets, Inc to locate veterans who need beds, and they work with a local mattress manufacturer to find a good price for each set. A bed would not be complete without pillows and bedding, so Elks provide these as well to give each veteran a comfortable place to sleep.

Freedom Grants are closed for this year, but If your Lodge is still looking for ways to fund a veterans’ project consider applying for a Gratitude Grant, or other CIP grants. Click here for more information about applying for CIP grants.

Back