Tackling veteran homelessness can feel like a daunting task, but Elk volunteers are using their ingenuity and Focus Grant funds to step up to the task. Forty-nine Lodge received Focus Grants this year, with all projects focused on helping veterans impacted by homelessness within their community. Focus Grants, available to Lodges in the 13 target areas with the highest number of unhoused veterans, are all awarded for this year but these types of projects can be funded by Freedom Grants, and Community Investments Program grants. Take some inspiration from some of this year’s grantees!
Elks at Tampa, Fla., Lodge No. 708 are using grant funds to make repairs and upgrades to the facilities at Liberty Manor, a non-profit organization offering boarding style housing for low-income veterans. With new locks, fencing, a stair lift, new vinyl flooring and more, veterans at Liberty Manor can find a new sense of safety and comfort during their stay. Thanks to Tampa Elks’ hard work, veterans residing at Liberty Manor are assured that Elks care about their wellbeing.
Elks at Everett, Wash., Lodge No. 479 are uplifting veterans impacted by homelessness by supporting their local Stand Down and veterans residing at Sebastian’s and Clare’s Place. Members prepare, box, and deliver food for their local Stand Down so that veterans in attendance can have a filling meal for the day. Volunteers also help provide monthly meals along with clothing and toiletry distributions to Sebastian’s and Clare’s Place, which house veterans previously impacted by homelessness.
Thanks to the resourceful thinking of Elks at Wheaton, Ill., Lodge No. 2258, veterans in the community received ‘Stability Support Packs’, ‘Home Start Kits’, ‘Pantry Starter Boxes’, and ‘Battle Buddy Comfort Kits’. Each kit is designed to meet veterans’ specific needs and is carefully crafted, packed, and delivered by Wheaton members. If a veteran doesn’t have furniture once moving off the streets into a new home, doesn’t know where they’ll find their next meal, or needs help accessing necessary hygiene supplies, Wheaton Elks are there.
Elks at Fremont, Calif., Lodge No. 2121 are digging deep to support veterans facing homelessness! Volunteers are continuing their gardening project, using grant funds to purchase garden supplies and plants for three gardens at Abode Services facilities. These gardens don’t just provide fresh food for the veterans residing at Abode Services, who are transitioning out of homelessness, but also a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Elks in Woodbridge, Va., Lodge No. 2355 are working around the clock to help veterans transitioning from homelessness with the Lodge’s ‘Welcome Home Project’. Unfortunately, many unhoused veterans in Washington Metro do not have furniture or enough funds to furnish the homes that they are moving into. Thanks to Woodbridge volunteers, veterans receive home goods like a bed, kitchenware, dining tables and more.
With Elks leading the charge, grant funding, and a little ingenuity, anything is possible! Though applications are closed for new Focus Grants, plenty of CIP grants are still available and can be applied for through your Lodge’s grants dashboard. Be a part of the fight to end veteran homelessness today!
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