Dear Jason,
Experiencing a housing crisis is one of the most stressful times in someone’s life. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans has been working with our network of service providers since 1990 to help veterans resolve housing crises and to build systems that end veteran homelessness across communities.
There was a time when many thought homelessness was an overwhelming problem that could only be managed, because it was too big and complicated to find a solution. Homelessness among veterans has decreased by 50% since 2010.
We now know the solution is to help communities build systems of care that move people into permanent housing quickly and address the root causes of persistent poverty. There are still around 38,000 veterans experiencing homelessness in this country, so NCHV and our community partners have our work cut out for us.
I’m sure you are familiar with the successes and impact of our advocacy and direct training work. However; I'd like to tell you about a lesser-known program we run. NCHV operates a toll-free help line that veterans can call during a housing crisis, to obtain information and referrals to a service provider in their community that can offer immediate assistance.
I’d like to tell you about one caller we had the privilege of working with this year. Joshua, a Navy Veteran, lost his job and ended up unsheltered for 18 months. Not only was Joshua in the midst of a housing crisis – he was dealing with the symptoms of combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. He attempted to get assistance, but was referred to other organizations or ignored, causing him to give up on the system entirely.
Joshua’s girlfriend found NCHV’s information in a brochure and called us to see if we could assist him. We referred him to an organization that initially turned him away. However, after a more detailed conversation with the organization, they were able to reach out to him and get him sheltered that day. Joshua recently went on a job interview and is working toward a rapid re-housing placement in his own apartment. When we partner with community providers and our members, we can save lives and restore the hope of veterans like Joshua.
Unfortunately there are many more veterans who, like Joshua, are in need of assistance navigating a housing crisis. NCHV is privileged to use our knowledge and contacts with providers across the country to get these veterans assistance as quickly as possible. People just like you have supported NCHV and your support will allow us to assist more veterans who are in need.
It’s the generous financial support from people who think veterans should not be homeless that makes this work possible. My hope is that you are one of those people, and that you will choose to help us save lives and restore hope. There is no good reason that a single veteran should be without a place to sleep at night, and I can promise you that NCHV will do everything we can to ensure every veteran has a place to call home. Visit our website and
donate today, to honor veterans during a time of vulnerability.
In gratitude,
Kathryn Monet
Chief Executive Officer
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
