VEO of Georgia - Helping Homeless Veterans in Atlanta, Georgia

Homeless Veterans Services & Housing | Atlanta Georgia

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2012 VEO Workforce Programs

Learn More About What We Do

The Winter Warmth Project

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Winter 2012
Unfortuanetly we are not able to reach out to every Homeless Veteran in our city, because of lack of space in our current facilities, but we can give them a warm meal, a coat, a blanket and some company during the Winter months. Survival Blankets

Help Our Homeless Veterans During The Cold Winter Months, By Providing Survival Blankets To Keep Them Alive.

The 2010-2011 Winter In Atlanta Was Harsh. Our team passed out over 1000 survival blankets this year, but we are in need of re-stocking our supply for 2012-2013. CALL: 404.899.8615

Winter Coats

We are collecting new and clean, gently used outerwear such as coats, jackets, sweatshirts and sweaters. Gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, sleeping bags, tents and blankets are also welcome. All shapes and sizes are needed, but the need is greatest for LARGE and EXTRA LARGE adult sized coats and jackets.

Donations are accepted at:

The VEO Thrift Store

1599 Memorial DR SE - Suite E-7
Atlanta Georgia 30317
OPEN Monday - Saturday

9AM - 6PM

We Will Pick-Up Large Donations in Metro-Atlanta
CALL: 404.899.8615

Need Directions? MAP
All donated coats will be distributed free of charge through VEO partner agencies to local homeless in need.

2010 Blanket Drive

A special thank you goes out to Estelle Allen at Navy Federal for their generous donation of 1000 Mylar Survival Blankets to our homeless veterans still living on the streets.

Agencies that helped us pass out blankets:
-The Gateway Center
-St. John The Wonderworker Church
-VEO's Outreach headed by Hilda Jackson
-St Joseph Mercy Care with Torrence Wynn and Stan Sullivan
-United Way Regional Commission on
Homelessness

Senator Bill Heath - Senate District 31

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Senator
Bill Heath

Senate District 31

Senator Heath Congratulates VEO

Sen. Bill Heath serves as Chairman of the Finance Committee, Vice Chairman of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Secretary of Science and Technology and as a member of the Appropriations and Governmental Oversight committees. The 31st Senate District consists of Haralson, Polk counties and portions of Bartow and Paulding counties.

Georgia is home to the Georgia Army National Guard--the 8th largest in the nation. Our guard has been active since 1751 and includes combat, combat support and combat service support units. The Georgia Army National Guard consists of more than 11,000 Citizen-Soldiers training in more than 79 hometown armories and facilities across the state. Georgia's Air National Guard, headquartered at Dobbins Air Force Base, consists of more than 3,000 men and women. These soldiers also serve our communities as police, firefighters, and teachers.

I encourage you to seek out these soldiers within your community and join with others to see how you can support the families they leave behind. Get to know them and find out how you can assist them. Contribute to the National Guard Family Support Foundation. The Foundation's website iswww.GeorgiaGuardFamily.org or you can send a check to the Foundation at 5019 GA Highway 42, Suite 203, Ellenwood, GA 30294-3438.

The Veterans' Empowerment Organization of Georgia is another non-profit organization that supports our veterans by seeking to aide homeless veterans. Since 2008, VEO has provided transitional and permanent housing to hundreds of homeless veterans. Presently, VEO offers 60 unit-beds in transitional supportive housing at no cost to the residents, along with 25 units in our affordable permanent supportive housing. VEO Village is their newest program that will serve close to 400 homeless veterans each year, taking them off the streets giving them the hope for a brighter future their service merits. You can learn more by visiting their websitewww.VeteransEmpowerment.org.

Another group that aids Georgia's Veterans is the Georgia Veterans Group, Inc. They are a not-for-profit veteran and community advocacy group whose goal is to assist veterans and their families with the complex and aloof steps they must take to file VA and Social Security claims. The GVG recognizes that most veterans are not aware of benefits and services that are available to them and their families. Therefore, the GVG acts in an advisory and advocacy role for its clients. www.GeorgiaVeterans.org

With President Obama's decision to withdraw all troops from Iraq, it is important that we offer these troops and their families the support and services they deserve when they come home. These men and women bravely put their lives on the line to serve their country and to protect our freedom.

We must take every opportunity to honor those who serve in our military. True heroes don't wear capes--they wear dog tags. These soldiers have given their time, spent months or even years away from their family and loved ones. They have often missed Thanksgiving dinners with family and even the births of their children. Some have made painful sacrifices in defense of our freedoms and way of life and it is our moral duty to continue to honor and support them for their service.

Adapted From Senator Heath's November Newsletter -
Visit Senator Heath's Website
He may be reached at 404-656-3943, by email at BillHeath@BillHeath.net or on Facebook as Bill Heath.

Veterans Day

Friday, November 11th, our nation celebrated Veterans Day. Each Veterans Day we honor all veterans, those who have given their lives for our liberty as well as the living, with a special tribute for having served this country in war and peace. Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, to celebrate the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, 1918. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th to be Armistice Day the following year in 1919. He spoke to a nation renewed by the end of World War I and with the promise of peace.

Wilson said that, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations."

In 1926, President Calvin Coolidge issued a proclamation observing November 11th with appropriate ceremonies. An Act, approved May 13, 1938, made the date a legal Federal holiday described as "a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day'." Congress replaced "Armistice" with "Veterans" on June 1, 1954 - to honor all Veterans of all wars.

This Federal holiday is special to many who have served in our armed forces, supported a family member in service, or who simply understands the role servicemen and servicewomen play in protecting our freedom. We should not reserve our respect, admiration, and honor for just one day. Rather, we should echo these sentiments in our words and deeds each and every day of our life. The appreciation we show on Veterans Day should remain printed on our hearts and in our minds.

In the United States, the official wreath-laying ceremony is held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states across the country. Georgia's largest Veterans Day celebration this year will be held on November 12th in the streets of Atlanta. Since 1981, volunteers from veterans' groups, active military persons, and civic-minded community members have hosted a Veterans Day Parade in downtown Atlanta. This year also marks the 70th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor and America's entry into World War II. Those special honorees will be World War II Veterans.

2011 Holiday Pantry

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Good Nutrition
Help Us Feed Our Veterans
Hot Meals Everyday

Help our Heroes

The Winter is tough for Our Homeless, but especially Veterans. These brave souls have protected our streets yet not all Soldiers are able to experience these luxuries.
For the Veterans that have no home or family, we are able to share a few warm moments during the next few cold months, but we can not do it without your help.

We should thank our Veterans everyday for the service they give to us and our nation, but especially during the winter. We are starting a winter drive to fill our pantries for the months to come. Please help us by donating here on this secure website, or physical deliveries are always welcome at our Thrift Store in Atlanta.

We welcome any dry or canned goods for our pantry.

We feed our clients 3 Hot Meals each day, so all donations are important to us. Thank You For Your Support.

The VEO Thrift Store
Pantry Drop-Off

1599 Memorial Drive SE - Suite E-7
Atlanta Georgia 30317

Store: 404.899.8615 | MAP
{OPEN Monday - Saturday | 9AM - 6PM}

Raise money online for VETERANS EMPOWERMENT ORGANIZATION OF GEORGIA INC

2011 - Metro-Atlanta Veterans Day Events - Georgia

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11.11.11

We Salute Our Veterans

Veterans Day gives Americans the opportunity to celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. Deceased veterans are also remembered on Veterans Day but the day is set aside to thank and honor living veterans who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.

Georgia Events

Ackworth: Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 2 p.m.
Patriots Point at Cauble Park, home of the Veterans Memorial
The City of Acworth will honor veterans at 2 p.m. Nov. 11 at Patriots Point at Cauble Park, home of the Veterans Memorial. The featured speaker will be Jon D. Collins, Brigadier General, U.S. Army, Retired. Brig. Gen. Collins is the executive director of adult education at Chattahoochee Technical College.

Cobb County: Veterans Day Community Program
November 11, 1 p.m.
Old Zion Baptist Church Heritage Museum
165 Lemon Street, Marietta
The Cobb County NAACP and American Legion Post 296 will host a Veterans Day Community Program. Guest speakers will be Chief Warrant Officer Clyde Green, U.S. Army, and David Hankerson, Cobb County Manager.

Douglas County: Annual Veterans Day Lighted Parade
Thursday, November 11, 7 p.m.
Douglas County High School front parking lots
8705 Campbellton Street, Douglasville
The parade route will be north on Campbellton Street, west on Church Street, south on Bowden and Woodrow Streets and returning to the high school.

Henry County: Veterans Day Service
Veterans Wall of Honor
101 Lake Dow Road, McDonough
November 11, 11 a.m.

Kennesaw State University Veterans Day Celebration
November 11, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Campus Green in front of KSU Hall
1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw
Kennesaw State University ROTC cadets are planning a dramatic noontime entrance to honor Americas veterans on Thursday, Nov. 11, Veterans Day. Maj. Gen. James Nuttall, Deputy Commanding General, First Army, based at Fort Gillem, will chopper in to the Campus Green, where he will deliver the keynote address in front of KSU Hall.

Kennesaw: Veterans Day Luncheon
November 11, noon – 1:30 p.m.
Ben Robertson Community Center
2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw
The City of Kennesaw will honor the service of military members past and present with a free lunch on Veterans Day. All military service members are invited to attend and no identification will be required.

Marietta: 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade
November 11, 11 a.m.
Roswell Street Baptist Church
774 Roswell Street, Marietta
The city of Marietta and the Marietta Kiwanis Club invite the public to honor the community’s veterans with a parade and ceremony on the Square. The sixth annual Veterans Day parade will start at 11 a.m. Thursday at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta, and proceed to the Square. Marching bands, drill teams, floats, veterans’ organizations and military vehicles will highlight the parade. After the parade, pay tribute to the men and women who have fought to keep Marietta and America free during a ceremony on the Square at noon.

Powder Springs: Veterans Day Ceremony
November 11, 11 a.m.
Powder Springs Veterans Memorial
4181 Atlanta Street, Powder Springs
Annual event presented by American Legion Post 294.

Veteran’s Day is soon approaching and there are several companies who want to thank our veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, we give a collective thanks.

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Hotels & Parks

Free Stay at B&B’s and Inns Around the Country (November 10, 2011)
Free Entrance to National Parks (November 11-13, 2011)

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Free Meals

Applebees: Free Meals for Veterans

Once again, Applebees will thank the nation’s veterans and active duty military by inviting them to their neighborhood Applebees for a free meal on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11, 2011.

Chilis: Veterans Eat Free

Chili’s is saluting veterans and active duty military with a free meal on Veterans Day. Choose from one of six entrees: Oldtimer with cheese, quesadilla explosion salad, margarita grilled chicken, Cajun chicken pasta, chicken crispers or chicken club tacos. The offer is good during regular business hours on Friday November 11, 2011 at participating Chili’s locations. Beverages and gratuity not included. You must show proof of service to receive the offer.

Hooters: Veterans Eat Free

Hooters is offering free meals for all veterans and active duty military personnel on Friday, November 11. Offer valid at participating locations, and a drink purchase is required. Active and military veterans with valid military ID or proof of service qualify. Offer is good for dine-in service only.

Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion and Beverage for Veterans

As an expression of Outback Steakhouse’s appreciation to our country’s veterans and active duty military, a free Bloomin’ Onion and beverage (one non-alcoholic drink) will be available to them at every Outback in the country on Veterans Day. Must show proof of military service.

Krispy Kreme: Free Donuts for Veterans

Veterans and active duty military can get a free donut on Veterans Day at Krispy Kreme. There are five locations in the Atlanta area: 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 633 Evans Street, 6689 Highway 85 in Riverdale, 791 Atlanta Street in Roswell and 299 Cobb Parkway South in Marietta.

TGI Friday’s: BOGO Entrees for Veterans

November 11th only, TGI Friday’s is offering buy one, get one free entrees for veterans and active duty military. Valid ID is required.

Georgia Events

Smyrna: Veterans Day Ceremony

November 11, 11 a.m.

Brinkley Park

The event will feature retired Army Col. Ben Malcolm, a Korean War Special Forces veteran; and retired Army Lt. Col. Bob Lanzotti of Smyrna, a Vietnam War helicopter pilot, as speakers. Music will be by the 116th Georgia Army National Guard Band. Maryline Blackburn of Smyrna will sing the national anthem.Brinkley Park is at 160 Legion Drive, Smyrna. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Smyrna Community Center. This event is sponsored by the City of Smyrna, Smyrna Rotary Club, Smyrna American Legion Post 160, The Veterans Memorial Association of Smyrna and Chick-Fil-A, 5120 South Cobb Drive.

Woodward Academy Veterans Day Ceremony

Thursday, November 11, 11 a.m.

1662 Rugby Avenue, College Park

The Woodward Academy will host its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11:00 am in the Richard C. Gresham Chapel on Woodward's Main Campus in College Park. Medal of Honor recipient Col. Jack H. Jacobs, U.S. Army, Retired, will be the keynote speaker.

Woodward was founded in 1900 as Georgia Military Academy, a military boarding school for boys. Many GMA alumni, as well as Woodward Academy alumni, parents and students, attend the ceremony.

Sandy Springs: Inaugural Veterans Day Celebration

November 11, 1:30 p.m.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park

200 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs

During the ceremony a presentation of a Battlefield Award for Valor will be made to soldiers of the 48th Infantry Brigade, Georgia National Guard, who recently returned home from

Afghanistan. The Keynote Speaker will be Lt. General R. Steven Whitcomb, Former Inspector General, U.S. Army.

Rabun County: Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner

November 11, 5:30 p.m.

Rabun County Civic Center

201 West Savannah Street, Clayton

The Rabun County Chamber of Commerce has been honoring our veterans for the past 12 years with an Annual Veterans Appreciation Dinner, which is normally held on the 11th of November. This wonderful event came to fruition when members of the Chamber Board and past president of the Chamber of Commerce saw a need to acknowledge and recognize the veterans in a special way. The Dillard House Restaurant caters a wonderful Thanksgiving-style meal. Local veterans and widows attend free, spouses of veterans are $10 and guests are $20. Sponsorships and donations are accepted in the form of Honorarium, Memoriam, bronze to platinum, which pays for the veterans tickets. Anyone from civic groups and churches are also encouraged to contribute to help defray the cost. Donations can be mailed to POB 750, Clayton, GA 30525.

Georgia - Veterans Day Parades 2011

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Veterans Affairs of Dawson County 7th Annual Veterans Day Celebration
Date: November 11, 2011

Starting Point:
Allen Street & Hwy 53 East - Dawsonville, GA
Time: 4:00 pm
Click here for map

All Veterans & Active Military are welcome to come and participate
Phone: 706-265-6278
Contact : Pam Hamalainen
President, Veterans Affairs of Dawson

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Dalton Veterans Parade
Date: TBA

Starting Point:
Thornton & Waugh streets
Dalton, GA
Time: 10:00 AM
Click here for map

American Legion Post 112 & VFW post 4985
Phone: 706-259-0072
Contact : George Lo Greco
Parade Committee Chairman

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Annual Veterans Night Parade
Date: TBA

Starting Point:
Douglas County High School
Campbellton Street - Douglasville, GA
Click here for map

The annual Veterans Night Parade contains lighted vehicles, units and floats and proceeds through the nighttime streets of Douglasville each year.

Phone: 770.920.7593
Contact : Wes Tallon
Director of Communications & Community Relations

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Georgia Veterans Day Parade

Date Nov. 12,2011

Starting Point:
West peachtree around Pershing Point then down Peachtreestreet
Atlanta, GA
Click here for map

The Grand Marshall with Governor Sonny Perdue, It si the largest Veteran day Parade in the state of Georgia.Many Military organizations from the Revolutionary War to ROTC units today

Phone: 770-458-7934

Contact: Marvin Myers

President of the Georgia Veterans Day Parade Association, Inc

Dawsonville's Inaugural Veterans Day Celebration

Date: TBA

Starting Point:
Dawsonville Municipal Complex Hwy 53 West
Dawsonville, GA
Click here for map

Join us for a day of tribute to our Veterans.
Phone: 706-265-6278
Contact: Pam Hamalainen
Dawson County Chamber of Commerce

Annual Douglas County Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: TBA

Starting Point:
Douglas County Courthouse Atrium
8700 Hospital Drive - Douglasville, GA
Click here for map

Annual Veterans Day Ceremony in the Courthouse Atrium, featuring the Moment of Silence at 11 a.m. in honor of 11/11/11. Program presented by the Winston Elementary School Chorus. Open to the Public.

Phone: 7709207593
Contact: Wes Tallon
Director of Communications, Douglas County

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West Georgia Veterans Day Parade
Date: TBA

Starting Point:
Paulding County Board of Education
522 Hardee St. - Dallas, GA
Click here for map

Veterans Day Parade
Phone: 770-443-2798
Contact: Michael Waddell
Vietnam Veterans of West Georgia VVA Chapter 873

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Veterans Day Ceremony
Date: TBA

Starting Point:
Bazemore/Hyder Stadium(Valdosta HS stadium)
Williams Street - Valdosta , GA
Click here for map

Veterans Day Ceremony, 11 Nov beginning at 10 am at Bazemore/Hyder Stadium. All Veterans and their families come enjoy lunch with the American Legion Post 13 right after the ceremony.

Phone: (229) 249-2631
Contact: Whit Chappell
President, Lowndes Veterans Council

HealthCare Partners BBQ -October 16,2011

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Thank You

HealthCare Partners of Lawrenceville, Georgia

HealthCare Partners - BBQ - October 16th 2011
A Very Special Thank You to HealthCare Partners of Lawrenceville, Georgia - A INC 500 Company owned by Rhonda & Ruddy Polhill & Craig Monahan.

Our friends at HealthCare Partners have done it again. These guys are the perfect example of giving back to our community. This time they threw another BBQ for our once homeless veterans - but this time there was Live Music!! WOW!!. We had a great day of food and entertainment with our friends at HealthCare Partners.

We are also so grateful for HealthCare Partners donation of The VEO Veterans Van. We love you HealthCare Partners.

"The Big Give"
Campaign
VEO of Georgia is one of three organizations that are part of the "Big Give" Campaign - Another initiative of HealthCare Partners. We are grateful for all of the kind donations from HealthCare Partners over the past few months. Above are just a few of the recent donations we have received for our food pantry and business clothing and hygiene products for our guys to get them ready to join the Atlanta workforce.

Sweet Support For Veterans

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Sweet Support For Veterans
Through January 31st, 2012, A local Dove Independent Chocolatier and Veteran -Marie Giarniero - will donate 20% of all chocolate sales to to help us create VEO Village.

A Message From Marie Giarniero:
As a Veteran who works with Veterans, using my business to support veteran causes gives me gratification. In recent years the number of unemployed and homeless veterans has been on the rise. Veterans Empowerment Organization of Georgia has a mission to house homeless veterans first and then assist them in regaining dignity and becoming self sufficient. During the months of November and December your orders can help support this cause. Just let me know that you wish to give Sweet Support to Veterans and 20% of your sale will be donated to the VEO Village project.

How To Order:
Email or call Marie Giarniero with Your Order.
mariegiarniero-chocolatier@yahoo.com
404-277-5097 | 404-297-6865

Visit Marie's Site

The Valentine’s Dessert Truffle Collection is only available for sale in January, so don’t miss out on this Limited Edition!

Featuring:
• White Chocolate Vanilla Cheesecake
• Truffle Fudge Dark Chocolate Mousse
• Refreshing Passion Fruit Sorbet
• Espresso Infused Milk Chocolate Tiramisu
• Sweet and Tart Lemon Meringue Pie
• Sugar and Spice Cinnamon Roll

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue. Here's a Sweet Gift Idea from DOVE CHOCOLATE DISCOVERIES to You!

Six fabulous dessert flavors, each wrapped in a luscious layer of dark, milk or white chocolate, are handmade with fresh ingredients on the day you order them. Then, they’re delivered right to your Valentine’s door. What could be sweeter (or easier)?

Valentine’s Dessert Truffle Collection (24 pieces): $39 (includes shipping)

You can direct ship Dove's American Made products anywhere in the continental United States.

VEO of Georgia Support Staff

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Frantz K. Fortune Executive Director 404-889-8710 \| Ext 11 frantz@veteransempowerment.org	Trenton Huzzie Program Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 13 trent@veteransempowerment.org
Dr. Charcella Green Director of Client Services 404-889-8710 \| Ext 34 charcella.veo@gmail.com	Annette Williams Donation Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 14 annette.veo@gmail.com
Robin Nash Grants Support Coordinator / Exec. Assistant 404-889-8710 \| Ext 17 robin@veteransempowerment.org	Victor Blackson Donation Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 36 victor.veo@gmail.com
Jones Garrett VEO Thrift Store Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 32 ron.veo@gmail.com	Clarence Harris, BS Grant and Budget Analyst 404-889-8710 \| Ext 35 clarence.veo@gmail.com
Dennis Dunn, OWCS Case Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 16 dennis.veo@gmail.com	Johnie Barlow Resident Assistant / Cook 404-889-8710 johnie.veo@gmail.com
Chenoa Murray, BS Intake & Clinical Care Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 31 chenoa.veo@gmail.com	Arthur Doublett Resident Assistant / Cook 404-889-8710 \| Ext 38 arthur.veo@gmail.com
Riondo Jackson Office Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 0 riondo.veo@gmail.com	Jeff Bennett Resident Assistant / Cook 404-889-8710 jeff.veo@gmail.com
Craig Galanos Director of Public Relations 404-889-8710 \| Ext 61 craig@veteransempowerment.org	Isaiah Stanley Maintenance Services 404-889-8710 \| Ext 37 ike.veo@gmail.com
Marcus G. Shumpert Public Relations Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 39 marcus.veo@gmail.com	Riolene Ibok CPA 404-889-8710 \| Ext 40 ribok@atagcpa.com
Shane-Courtney Williams Volunteer Creative Director \| Digital Marketing 404-889-8710 \| Ext 30 shane@veteransempowerment.org	Robert Bray IT Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 18 bob.veo@gmail.com

VEO Remembers John Perry Sr

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We Will Miss You John
In early September, through John's last professional effort, The Veterans Empowerment Organization of Georgia won an initial $250,000 Grant from the Home Depot Foundation to assist Homeless Veterans in the Atlanta Area.

The family asks that Memorial Donations may be made in John's memory to VEO of Georgia. Donate To VEO In Honor of John Petty Sr.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 8th at 1:00pm at H.M. Patterson and Son, Spring Hill. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. John will be interred at the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY.

As Executive Director of the Atlanta Enterprise Center for 18 years, John built a successful job training and placement program for Atlanta's homeless. A remark by a friend captures John's spirit of perseverance: "He was a marvel of patience bordering on stubbornness; optimism without bound and an obvious love for the downtrodden that Christ would have admired." John served on the Board of the West Point Society of Atlanta and was awarded the Most Distinguished Graduate Award in 2006 for his work to better the Atlanta community. John took up the challenge given to him by his commander in chief in January of 1961 and for over 50 years served his country and his fellow humankind - striving against communism, racism, and homelessness. Found among John's personal notes written during his last few days battling cancer is the following statement: "My goal for the rest of my life is to serve my fellow human kind and to make a difference in as many lives as possible." To the very end, John sought to serve others - and even in these last days, John brought joy to his family and friends, making a difference in our lives to the very last. John is survived by his daughter Page Shepherd 44, his son John Jr. 39, three grandchildren - Thaddaeus 15, Reagan 12, Claire 8, and his beloved wife Beryl, who held his hand as he passed on into God's hands. He remains in the heart of his first wife Donna, as one of her best friends.

View Johns Memorial GuestBook

The Life Of 1st Lt. John Petty Sr. - Our Friend & Colleague

JOHN RIFE PETTY, SR. 72, of Decatur passed away September 29, 2011 with his family by his side. John was born April 9, 1939 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia to Mary Viola Ford and Thaddeus Elisha Petty. Upon graduation from Gainesville High in 1957, John received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. During his last year at West Point, John had the privilege of marching in John Kennedy's inauguration where President Kennedy challenged a generation to "ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." John graduated in 1961, receiving a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant of Infantry, beginning a professional career spanning five decades that lived up to that challenge. Upon graduation, John earned the Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab and joined the 101st Airborne. In October 1962, while serving with the 101st Airborne, 1LT Petty led a detachment of soldiers who helped support the integration of the University of Mississippi. Just weeks later in middle of the night, John stood ready in southern Florida to parachute into Cuba if needed during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

John left the Army in 1964 to earn an MA in International Relations from the University of Tennessee and pursue a career in government service, joining the Central Intelligence Agency in 1966. Over a 15-year career with the CIA, John trained anti-communist forces in Laos from 1968 to 1973, served at the American Embassy in Singapore from 1975 to 1977, and served at various domestic assignments. John resigned from government service in 1981 in order to put down some roots in his native state. Over the next decades, John continued to serve others using his organizational and leadership skills in various non-profit organizations.

Volunteer Sign-Up

2011-10-04T12:01:00.018-05:00

Without A Home - They Have No Hope.

Help Us Support Our Homeless Veterans

Follow @homelessheroes

HealthCare Partners & Asbury Automotive Van Donation to VEO of Georgia

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VEO of Georgia

New

Veterans

Van

VEO Goes Green
A Very Special Thank You to HealthCare Partners of Lawrenceville, Georgia - A INC 500 Company owned by Rhonda & Ruddy Polhill & Craig Monahan - CEO of Asbury Automotive Group - A 300 Dealer Organization and owner of Nally Automotive-Atlanta have helped us out in a huge way.

The combined donations of $22,000.00 from both HealthCare Partners & Asbury Automotive Group, have gone toward the purchase of The Veterans Van, a major contribution to our organization. The 2010 15 passenger FORD E-350 (Flex-Fuel Vehicle) runs on either Regular or Ethanol (E85) A green innovation from the makers of FORD).

The Veterans Van is an important tool for our organization, since we use it to transport all of our Veteran Clients to their Daily Medical, VA, Social Work, & Rehabilitation appointments. In addition to the daily appointments, the van is also used for Client Job Interviews/ Trainings, Job Readiness Events, Recreational, and all Social Activities.

Flexible fuel vehicles (FFVs) are designed to run on gasoline or a blend of up to 85% ethanol (E85). Except for a few engine and fuel system modifications, they are identical to gasoline-only models. FFVs experience no loss in performance when operating on E85. However, since ethanol contains less energy per volume than gasoline, FFVs typically get about 25-30% fewer miles per gallon when fueled with E85.

FFVs have been produced since the 1980s, and dozens of models are currently available. Since FFVs look just like gasoline-only models, you may be driving an FFV and not even know it.

Thank You All For Your Generosity.

A New Puppy Saves A Veterans Life

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New Puppy Saves The Life of An Air Force Veteran

Cheyenne & David
Unless you’ve been in a war or anything even remotely stressful as being in a war where you might experience your friends getting killed in front of your eyes, words alone won’t change how they feel or their perspective on life. And that’s what happened to David Sharpe, an air force veteran.

David was serving in the military in the middle east, where he experienced plenty of violence and deaths of friends and colleagues. As you can imagine, David was no happy camper when he returned home. David, internally suffering from PTSD, was picking fights, getting drunk nightly, and punching holes in walls. And if anyone tried to help him? “Go away” is how David would reply. One day David hit bottom and life seemed hopeless. It was time to end the suffering, the pain, and the sorrows.

Everything was calm. Everything was peaceful. David was ready to accept his fate. David put a loaded gun in his mouth, closed his eyes and was ready to pull the trigger. That internal war caused by his experience in an external war was going to come to and end. This was it.

But then, there came a sign from God – a puppy licked his ear. David opened his eyes and found Cheyenne, a puppy he had adopted a few months ago. Dogs don’t judge. Dogs don’t care who you are. Dogs don’t care what you did. Dogs don’t want you to have a fancy car or big house. Dogs just want two things.You and your love.

LifeLine Animal Project Honors Veterans with “Free Pets”

“Pets for Vets”
Atlanta non-profit no-kill shelter and advocacy group is waiving adoption fees on dogs and cats in the month of November for all military veterans and active service members.

In honor of Veteran’s Day on November 11th, LifeLine Animal Project announces that November will be “Pets For Vets” month as their way of thanking pet-loving members of the U.S. military for their sacrifice and service.

“We are deeply grateful for the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way for our sake,” said Blythe Randolph, board chair for LifeLine, “We wish them renewed happiness here at home and for current and former military who wish to make a pet part of their lives, we hope they will find a new four-legged friend and family member at LifeLine.”

Shelter dogs from LifeLine’s Dog House and cats and kittens from their Kitty Motel are available for adoption throughout the month of November. Potential adopters must meet LifeLine’s standard criteria for adopting a pet, however all adoption fees of $80- $120 are waived for service men and women showing military ID or discharge papers.

All pets are current on their vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered and micro chipped. Many dogs who have been at the shelter for any length of time have received some basic obedience training.

Visit LifeLineAnimal.org

How owning a pet can help PTSD
How pets help veterans heal from wounds of war

All dogs in LifeLine Animal Project's Dog House are available for adoption during "Pets For Vets Month"

Ike is one of many cats available for adoption during "Pets For Vets Month" at no charge to service men and women. He lives in LifeLine Animal Project's no-kill Kitty Motel. Credits: Virginia Hawkins Photography

VEO salutes - Soldier On

2011-10-01T19:09:00.001-05:00

VEO Salutes - Soldier On | Northhampton, MA

Formerly homeless veterans who have been helped by the Northampton, Massachusetts-based private, non-profit organization - Soldier On - talk about how they became homeless and where they might be if it they hadn’t found Soldier On. The veterans’ frank and emotionally powerful comments provide insight into the ongoing problem of veteran homelessness and what it will take to solve it.

VEO of Georgia celebrates like-minded organizations like Soldier On, that are helping us end veteran homelessness in America.

About Soldier On:

Soldier On is a non-profit organization governed by a full-time CEO/president and a volunteer board of directors. They work in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies to provide veterans with both shelter and support within an environment that offers dignity, integrity and, most of all, hope.

Grounded In Integrity
At their core, Soldier On is about integrity: The integrity of veteran residents, the integrity of staff, and the integrity of their commitment to work tirelessly to improve the lives of veterans in the community at large. They assist veterans with both picking up the pieces of their lives and filling in the gaps that public agencies do not address.

Soldier On’s mission is expanding. They have been assisting homeless veterans since 1994. Now, however, they are moving beyond simply offering a response to veteran homelessness to providing a permanent solution. With their Veterans Village projects, they will offer formerly homeless veterans a chance to own their homes — more often than not for the first time in their lives.

Their work still begins with getting homeless veterans off the streets..

Because government money for homeless veterans is currently limited and serves only one in 10 veterans in need, it is critical that private groups such as Soldier On reach out to help provide the support, resources and opportunities most Americans take for granted: housing, employment and health care.

Veterans Day 2011

2011-10-01T18:00:00.028-05:00

History
On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as "the Great War." Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

The Great War & Armistice Day
Though the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, November 11 remained in the public imagination as the date that marked the end of the Great War. In November 1918, U.S. President Woodrow Wilsonproclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day. The day's observation included parades and public gatherings, as well as a brief pause in business activities at 11 a.m. On November 11, 1921, an unidentified American soldier killed in the war was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Congress had declared the day a legal federal holiday in honor of all those who participated in the war. On the same day, unidentified soldiers were laid to rest at Westminster Abbey in London and at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

On June 4, 1926, Congress passed a resolution that the "recurring anniversary of [November 11, 1918] should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations" and that the president should issue an annual proclamation calling for the observance of Armistice Day. By that time, 27 state legislatures had made November 11 a legal holiday. An act approved May 13, 1938 made November 11 a legal Federal holiday, "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.'" In actuality, there are no U.S. national holidays because the states retain the right to designate their own, and the government can only designate holidays for federal employees and for the District of Columbia. In practice, however, states almost always follow the federal lead.

Celebrating Veterans Day around the World
Britain, France, Australia and Canada also commemorate the veterans of World Wars I and II on or near November 11th: Canada has Remembrance Day, while Britain has Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). In Europe, Britain and the Commonwealth countries it is common to observe two minutes of silence at 11 a.m. every November 11.

In the United States, an official wreath-laying ceremony is held each Veterans Day at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, while parades and other celebrations are held in states around the country. Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day--a common misunderstanding, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Memorial Day (the fourth Monday in May) honors American servicemembers who died in service to their country or as a result of injuries incurred during battle, while Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans--living or dead--but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
American effort during World War II (1941-1945) saw the greatest mobilization of the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force in the nation's history (more than 16 million people); some 5.7 million more served in the Korean War (1950 to 1953). In 1954, after lobbying efforts by veterans’ service organizations, the 83rd U.S. Congress amended the 1938 act that had made Armistice Day a holiday, striking the word "Armistice" in favor of "Veterans." President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the legislation on June 1, 1954. From then on, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

The next development in the story of Veterans Day unfolded in 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which sought to ensure three-day weekends for federal employees--and encourage tourism and travel--by celebrating four national holidays (Washington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Columbus Day) on Mondays.

The observation of Veterans Day was set as the fourth Monday in October. The first Veterans Day under the new law was Monday, October 25, 1971; confusion ensued, as many states disapproved of this change, and continued to observe the holiday on its original date. In 1975, after it became evident that the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic significance to many Americans, President Gerald R. Ford signed a new law returning the observation of Veterans Day to November 11th beginning in 1978. If November 11 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the federal government observes the holiday on the previous Friday or following Monday, respectively.

Admiral Mike Mullen Speaks at Georgia Tech - September 13th,2011

2011-10-01T06:53:00.010-05:00

Admiral Mullen
The Above Video Is An Earlier Presentation At Arizona State University.

September 13th,2011 | Georgia Tech welcomed Admiral Mike Mullen, U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for a community town hall forum in the Ferst Center for the Arts. Our staff set in for this forum to get a better understanding of just how the subject of Veteran Homelessness was being addressed. We got a better insight into the national crisis among our homeless veterans and a clearer understanding on how to move forward with our mission of helping to resolve this locally as well as nationally. Admiral Mullens agenda for this forum was to acknowledge that the solution to the problem is through the involvement of local communities and non-profits like VEO of Georgia. Admiral Mullens, and Col. David Southerland, Director of the Warrior & Family Support Group announced that the Pentagon and the VA cannot move quickly enough to resolve this issue of Veteran Homelessness. It is to up to us and organizations like us to step forward while acknowledging that Separation From Service Issues are not adequately addressed.

Adm. Mullen obtained a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and also graduated from the Advanced Management Program at the Harvard Business School.

From August 2003 to October 2004, Adm. Mullen served as the Navy's 32nd Vice Chief of Naval Operations. During the first half of 2005, he served as Commander of NATO's Joint Force Command Naples and Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, leading the Alliance's peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and its training mission in Iraq.

Since taking office as Chairman in October of 2007, Adm. Mullen has focused his efforts on three main priorities: 1) defending vital national interests in the Middle East; 2) resetting, revitalizing and reconstituting the Armed Forces; and 3) properly balancing global risk. He has placed significant emphasis on the expansion of counter-insurgency warfare training and resources and was an early advocate for a greater focus on operations in Afghanistan. He now considers that war the U.S. military's "main effort."

Adm. Mullen and his wife, Deborah, also devote much of their time to advancing a host of warrior and family support initiatives, to include survivor benefits, suicide prevention, mental health, wounded care and veteran employment and education.

Admiral Mike Mullen is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Armed Forces and the President's principal military advisor. As such, he presides over all meetings and coordinates the efforts of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), advising the Secretary of Defense, the National Security Council and the Homeland Security Council. Prior to this duty, Adm. Mullen served as the 28th Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), the Navy's top uniformed leader and representative to the JCS.

His rise in the Navy started at sea. Little more than a year after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1968, then-Ensign Mullen reported aboard the destroyer USS COLLETT (DD 730) as Anti-Submarine Officer. During this tour, he deployed to the Western Pacific and participated in combat operations off the coast of Vietnam.

Over the course of his career at sea, he served aboard six other warships, three as the commanding officer; and as an admiral, he commanded the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON Carrier Strike Group and the U.S. Second Fleet.

His tours ashore have been focused in the areas of resourcing and personnel and included duty with the Bureau of Personnel, the Navy staff, and the staff of the Secretary of Defense.

Home Depot Gives Back

2011-10-01T04:11:00.010-05:00

The Home Depot Foundation Gives Back
A special thank you to the team at the Home Depot Foundation for giving us a grant of $250,000.00 towards our 2011 Capital Campaign for the purchase and renovation of our 2012 project - VEO Village.

The mission of The Home Depot Foundation is simple...to improve homes and improve lives. For the next three years, HOME DEPOT will be placing special emphasis on serving U.S. military veterans who are facing growing financial and physical hardships at home as they return to civilian life.Home Depot will invest over $30 million to help ease the burdens of this deserving group by repairing and renovating homes for military veterans.

VEO Village is an 32 unit housing complex that will offer 50 beds to 50 homeless male veterans, 20 beds to 20 homeless female veterans and 8 units to 8 homeless family veterans, at no cost to them. Giving them the tools to achieve self sufficiency through a rapid rehousing program that encourages rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. VEO Village hopes to eliminate veteran homelessness in Atlanta over the next 6 years. This facility will help 340 Veterans each year to become self-sufficient and restore the dignity that every human deserves, especially those who have fought for our freedom.

Learn More About The Home Depot Foundation

TEAM VEO - Start A Fundraising Team FOr VEO of Georgia | Help Us End Veteran Homelessness

2011-09-30T14:05:00.052-05:00

Team VEO
Our vision is simple and ambitious: providing safe housing and supportive services to homeless veterans in need of refuge in every community in Georgia.

Start Your TEAM
Support Our Homeless Veterans by starting a VEO team at your Office, Club, Church, or in your neighborhood. It is a simple set-up for you to start you own team and begin raising funds for our rehabilitation services and rapid rehousing programs.
Sponsored by Our Friends @ Razoo.com

Funds Raised So Far...

4 Simple Steps:

1. Create A Free Account
2. List Your Non-Profit
*VEO Of Georgia
3. Create your Team Page
*Customization Graphics Provided Below
4. Start Raising Money
Here's where the real fun begins. Once you're a member of Razoo, you can start a fundraising campaign, watch donations come in and see who gave - in real time. Share your campaign with friends and start as many as you wish!

Get Started Now

Customize Your Page

You are welcome to use any graphics on our website for your page, but if you are in a hurry - Use The Graphic Below.

(Simply Right Click The Graphic Below & Download (Save Image As) To Your Computer, Then Upload to Your Razoo - TeamVEO Page.)

Homelessness Is Not Patriotic

2011-09-19T20:05:00.000-05:00

We Change The Lives Of Our Homeless Veterans
"Until They Have A Home, We Leave No Man Behind"

The Veterans Empowerment Organization Of Georgia | VEO of Georgia - accept Homeless Veterans from the streets of Atlanta into our Unique & Effective Rapid Rehousing-to-Permanent Housing program.We Are Here To Help Our Homeless Heroes Regain Their Dignity and Become Self-Sufficient Again.
Learn More About Our Work

2011-09-18T13:30:00.002-05:00

Some things to consider before requesting a VEO speaker.Presentation Length
Size of audience to which speaker will be presenting? *
Audience Profile *
Event focus
Request type *
Speaking topic *
Travel Expenses Available? *

NoAir / Train TravelHotelHonarium / Guest Offering
Honorarium / Speaking Fee Amount

A/V Available On-Site *
ProjectorScreenDVD playerSpeakersNone of the above
Do you need the speaker's biography?
Will you need the speaker's photograph?
Will press be present?
Any other needs or information?

Shelters Vs. Rapid Rehousing

2011-09-10T10:11:00.000-05:00

Homeless Shelters Vs. Rapid Rehousing
The above video is about one of our homeless shelters in Atlanta -Peachtree & Pine and the threatened closing of the facilities.

Homeless Shelters provide a good service, if just for a night or 2 - but are not the best approach to ending the epidemic of homelessness. Shelters can be extremely dangerous and have many issues with health related problems, because of confining a large number of people into a single space, with limited sanitation. With that said, we still aprecciate all of the hard work our shelters do throughout the state, they try their best to tackle such a wide spread problem and we thank them for their efforts.

Violence In Shelters
Last month, in St. Louis, Missouri, a lawsuit was filed against the New Life Evangelistic Center. The complainants are the parents of a young man who was fatally stabbed three years ago. Jeremy Dunlap’s killer was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and the homeless shelter is accused of not having good security regulations, and of being lax in observing the rules that were in place. This excerpt from an article titled “Why Many Homeless People Choose Streets Over Shelters” by Josie Raymond looks at some of the reasons why shelters are shunned even if available. Aside from the risks of violence and theft, there is the contagion factor. Transmissible diseases like tuberculosis, that we thought were ancient history, are reemerging in a big way. Keeping a bunch of people together in a small space is a great way to spread illness. Raymond quotes an authority:

Becky Blanton, a writer who was homeless from March 2006 to August 2007, says she had a lot of reasons not to enter shelters when she lost her housing. ‘Disease, violence, mental illness and addiction,’ she said simply, before going on to explain that in her experience, staying in many emergency shelters lead to scabies, lice, bed bugs, the transmission of hepatitis and tuberculosis, athlete’s foot from the showers, the common cold and lots of other things that are no big deal if you can stay home in bed, but can kill you if you’re homeless.’ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, America needs national public health programs “specific to homeless populations.” Let’s hope that sufficient sleep is recognized as one of the conditions necessary for health.

Severe Weather

2011-08-01T19:35:00.001-05:00

VEO Water Donation Center NOW Open
Heat Exhaustion Threatens Our Homeless Veterans
If you have a pulse, you know how hot it is in Atlanta. You and I complain about the heat, but we can escape to our car or air-conditioned home. What if you were homeless and unwanted by society, where do you go?

VEO of Georgia is setting up teams of volunteers to dispense Bottled Water to the homeless throughout Metro-Atlanta. Please help us help our community.

To VOLUNTEER
Contact Craig @ 404-889-8618 or email craig@veteransempowerment.org

To DONATE WATER
Please drop off at our retail store in Atlanta. We will give you a 100% donation receipt for every bottle of water that you donate to our relief fund.

VEO Water Donation Center @ The VEO Thrift Store

1599 Memorial Drive SE - Suite E-7 | Atlanta Georgia 30317

404.899.8615 {OPEN Monday - Saturday | 10AM - 6PM}
CALL US FOR LARGE DONATIONS & WE WILL PICK THEM UP

Donations Are Accepted Year Around | We Thank You For You Support.

Why Donating Water Is Important.
Cooling and rehydration are the cornerstones for treating heat exhaustion. The affected individual should stop their activity and then move from the hot environment to a cooler environment. The person may be placed in the shade or taken to an air conditioned environment (don't forget that cars have air conditioning). Clothes may be removed to help with air circulation across the body. Misting the skin with cool water also helps by stimulating evaporation and cooling the body.

Rehydration is the next important step in treating heat exhaustion. This may be a challenge if the person begins to suffer from nausea and vomiting. Small sips of water, a mouthful at a time, might be tolerated even if some vomiting persists. Water, sports drink and other electrolyte replacement drinks are reasonable options.

The complications of heat exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is one part of the spectrum of heat-related illness, and symptoms should be reversible with treatment. However, some affected individuals do not recognize their symptoms and if they are not removed from the hot environment, cooled and rehydrated, the heat-related illness can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Individuals who have suffered from heat exhaustion are more prone to experience another episode and should be cautious when working or exercising in hot conditions.

We Have To Make A Change!

2011-07-08T00:39:00.018-05:00

18 Veterans Attempt Suicide Every Day.

Troubling new data show there are an average of 950 suicide attempts each month by veterans who are receiving some type of treatment from the Veterans Affairs Department.
By Rick Maze – Staff writer Armytimes.com
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one of the signature medical issues for returning combat veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. So, it’s important that the civilian community from employers to educators understand and know how to help those living with PTSD.

Seven percent of the attempts are successful, and 11 percent of those who don’t succeed on the first attempt try again within nine months. The numbers, which come at a time when VA is strengthening its suicide prevention programs, show about 18 veteran suicides a day, about five by veterans who are receiving VA care. Access to care appears to be a key factor, officials said, noting that once a veteran is inside the VA care program, screening programs are in place to identify those with problems, and special efforts are made to track those considered at high risk, such as monitoring whether they are keeping appointments.

A key part of the new data shows the suicide rate is lower for veterans aged 18 to 29 who are using VA health care services than those who are not. That leads VA officials to believe that about 250 lives have been saved each year as a result of VA treatment.

VA’s suicide hotline has been receiving about 10,000 calls a month from current and former service members. The number is 1-800-273-8255.

Vietnam veterans have been instrumental in pushing for PTSD awareness among the military hierarchy, government officials and civilian communities. For veterans, understanding the symptoms and seeking early treatment is critical for successfully living with the disorder. But, civilians can help too.

10 Ways You Can Help Veterans With PTSD
Learn The Signs & How To Help

Homelessness Is Not Patriotic

2011-06-17T18:12:00.009-05:00

From Protecting Our Streets

-To Living On Them.

While most housing help available to veterans focuses on homeownership, there have been Federal Investments in programs for homeless veterans.

These programs do not meet existing need.
What Can We Do To Resolve This Issue?

The Department of Veterans Affairs (The VA)
funds temporary housing for homeless veterans including:
• Shelter and two-year transitional housing funded through the Grant and Per Diem Program
• Long-term care through the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program
• Skills programs such as the Compensated Work Therapy/Veterans Industries Program

These programs do not meet existing need. For example, Grant and Per Diem only funds 8,000 beds. In addition, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) works with VA to operate the HUD-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. HUD-VASH connects HUD Housing Choice Vouchers with VA case management and services. This is HUDs only program targeted directly to veterans. HUDVASH, a long standing and rigorously tested program, has been under-resourced in past years, but the recent addition of 10,000 vouchers a year for two years has been a crucial step forward. The Administration did not request additional vouchers for 2010. However, the program is popular in Congress, and there is a strong possibility of additional vouchers this year.

VA's Homeless Providers Grant and Per Diem Program -
The Grant and Per Diem program is offered annually (as funding permits) by the VA to fund community-based agencies (up to 65% of a given project) providing transitional housing or service centers for homeless veterans. While most housing help available to veterans focuses on homeownership, there have been Federal investments in programs for homeless veterans. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funds temporary housing for homeless veterans including:

• Shelter and two-year transitional housing funded through the grant and per Diem Program
• Long-term care through the Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program
• Skills programs such as the Compensated Work Therapy/Veterans Industries Program

In VA's Compensated Work Therapy/Transitional Residence (CWT/TR) Program, disadvantaged, at-risk, and homeless veterans live in supervised group homes while working for pay in VA's Compensated Work Therapy Program (also known as Veterans Industries). Veterans in the CWT/TR program work about 33 hours per week, with approximate earnings of $732 per month, and pay an average of $186 per month toward maintenance and up-keep of the residence. The average length of stay is about 174 days. VA contracts with private industry and the public sector for work done by these veterans, who learn new job skills, relearn successful work habits, and regain a sense of self-esteem and self-worth.

Supported Housing -
In 2008, according to the annual homeless assessment report to Congress, 3% of the shelters beds were reserved for the veterans. Like the HUD-VASH program, staff in VA's Supported Housing Program provides ongoing case management services to homeless veterans. Emphasis is placed on helping veterans find permanent housing and providing clinical support needed to keep veterans in permanent housing. Staff in these programs operate without benefit of the specially dedicated Section 8 housing vouchers available in the HUD-VASH program but are often successful in locating transitional or permanent housing through local means, especially by collaborating with Veterans Service Organizations.

In addition, the VA extends loans, funds Veterans Benefits Counselors, and operates drop-in centers where veterans can clean up and receive therapeutic treatment during the day. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that the VA serves about 25% of veterans in need a figure that would leave approximately 300,000 veterans each year to seek assistance from local government agencies and voluntary organizations.

In general, the needs of homeless veterans do not differ from those of other homeless people. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans suggests the most effective programs are community-based, nonprofit, "veterans helping veterans" groups (NCHV Background and Statistics). However there is some evidence that programs which recognize and acknowledge veteran experience may be more successful in helping homeless veterans transition into stable housing. Until serious efforts are made to address the underlying causes of homelessness, including inadequate wages, lack of affordable housing, and lack of accessible, affordable health care, the tragedy of homelessness among both veterans and non-veterans will continue to plague American communities.

We need to come behind this movement.

2011-06-17T00:46:00.034-05:00

We Need to Help our Veterans
What I like about VEO is the fact that a veteran can get access to a bed immediately - if one is available, regardless if you are disabled or not.

"We need to support VEO so they can open more beds that will allow more homeless vets a chance to get back on their feet."
Larry Peterson - US Navy - 12 Years

Larry's Story:
In 2001 I become homeless due to PTSD; I have been living on the street because the VA does not provide housing while I am waiting for my benefits.
There is no way that most of us x-soldiers - living on the streets could ever "bounce back", if we do not have a place to sleep and food in our bellies. Sometimes I can't understand what it was that I fought for, since now I have to fight for a place to sleep!

Larry Peterson - US Navy - 12 Years

John's Story:
It is disgusting to see so many US Vets homeless, and I find out that this guy started this program helping house homeless veterans in our city - out of his pocket, because the VA would not support his program until a veteran goes through a process that takes 8-12 months. How can anyone follow up a 8-12 month process without a place to stay? We, should stand behind VEO and help them keep our HEROES off the streets. Local Veterans Assistance Programs are the remedy for this unacceptable reality of Homelessness Among Our Veterans.

John W. - Airforce - 9 Years

Danna's Story:

The military needs to change their laws. Why should a veteran need to have a disable condition in order to obtain housing assistantance? We have so many Veterans that can't find jobs, and the VA requires having some type of disability before they can get housing help. Is the VA telling us that we need to go smoke some crack in order to help us - if we become homeless? Keep up the good work VEO.

Danna Brown -US Army - 6 Years

“Taking in stride, the current difficulties faced by many Americans today, we all are still blessed to enjoy many freedoms and liberties thanks to our servicemen – many of whom are faced with a magnified struggle and economic hardship due to that very service they have offered our nation."

Freedom Does Have A Price

Frantz K. Fortune Executive Director 404-889-8710 \| Ext 11 frantz@veteransempowerment.org	Trenton Huzzie Program Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 13 trent@veteransempowerment.org
Dr. Charcella Green Director of Client Services 404-889-8710 \| Ext 34 charcella.veo@gmail.com	Annette Williams Donation Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 14 annette.veo@gmail.com
Robin Nash Grants Support Coordinator / Exec. Assistant 404-889-8710 \| Ext 17 robin@veteransempowerment.org	Victor Blackson Donation Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 36 victor.veo@gmail.com
Jones Garrett VEO Thrift Store Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 32 ron.veo@gmail.com	Clarence Harris, BS Grant and Budget Analyst 404-889-8710 \| Ext 35 clarence.veo@gmail.com
Dennis Dunn, OWCS Case Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 16 dennis.veo@gmail.com	Johnie Barlow Resident Assistant / Cook 404-889-8710 johnie.veo@gmail.com
Chenoa Murray, BS Intake & Clinical Care Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 31 chenoa.veo@gmail.com	Arthur Doublett Resident Assistant / Cook 404-889-8710 \| Ext 38 arthur.veo@gmail.com
Riondo Jackson Office Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 0 riondo.veo@gmail.com	Jeff Bennett Resident Assistant / Cook 404-889-8710 jeff.veo@gmail.com
Craig Galanos Director of Public Relations 404-889-8710 \| Ext 61 craig@veteransempowerment.org	Isaiah Stanley Maintenance Services 404-889-8710 \| Ext 37 ike.veo@gmail.com
Marcus G. Shumpert Public Relations Coordinator 404-889-8710 \| Ext 39 marcus.veo@gmail.com	Riolene Ibok CPA 404-889-8710 \| Ext 40 ribok@atagcpa.com
Shane-Courtney Williams Volunteer Creative Director \| Digital Marketing 404-889-8710 \| Ext 30 shane@veteransempowerment.org	Robert Bray IT Manager 404-889-8710 \| Ext 18 bob.veo@gmail.com