By Tom Merkel, president, The IMPACT Group | On Wednesday, November 11, we come together to celebrate Veterans Day. It will be a day to say “Thank You” and honor all who have served in the military — in wartime or peacetime. It’s a day to acknowledge the contributions and the sacrifices they have made so Americans can continue to enjoy our Freedom, and live in a safer world.
Merkel
But, many of our veterans and their family members do not receive the proper support they so richly deserve and earned. According to the U.S. Department of Housing Development, almost 50,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. In Gwinnett County and the immediate surrounding area, that number (when family members are included) is approximately 3,000. The IMPACT! Group is at the forefront of fighting to end homelessness among our veterans and their family members.
Our mission is to transform lives and strengthen communities by providing quality housing solutions. As such, we are one of Gwinnett County’s largest providers of Transitional Housing, Rapid Re-Housing, Housing Counseling, and Financial Literacy.
In 2013 we began focusing our efforts on the plight of veterans that are facing some type of “Housing Challenge.” This runs the complete spectrum of those currently living in their cars, to those on the verge of losing their home because of foreclosure. Year to date in 2015, we have taken 16 homeless veterans and family members (59 total individuals) and provided them with stable housing. Mind you, this is a “Hand Up” program, not a “Hand Out.” They are required to have “skin in the game” financially and holistically.
Homelessness in our community can be a dirty word. Many like to turn their backs or have the wrong picture of just who the homeless vets are. So I offer you a quick look at just three of our clients (these are not their real names):
- Bill, an Army single vet served our country 18 years. He currently resides in a mobile home and has less than $50 a month to live on, after paying expenses and food.
- Sally, a Marine vet, served for 10 years. She suffers from PTSD and was a rape victim during her time of service. She is also a single mom with two children.
- Vicky, a Navy vet and a single mother of five children, is a domestic violence survivor. She works two jobs in order to pay for her expenses, including day care. She’s committed to making sure her children have a better life.
There are many factors that are at the root of veteran homelessness: education, affordable housing, job training and access to proper health care. Our program is designed to address those issues.
- Recently The IMPACT Group was recognized in Washington, D.C., during HUD hearings, (go to https://youtu.be/qRaisSa7eTA?t=180.)
While we greatly appreciate the recognition, what we truly need is the financial support of our own community. This Veterans Day, we ask you to considering honoring a veteran you know, or any vet and send a donation to The IMPACT! Group’s “Impact For Vets” program. www.theimpactgroup.org. Help us help those who have given so much for our freedom.
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