Homelessness

LVMAC Tidbit — Habitat for Humanity Is Looking to Hire

Something an Ex-Noncom Ought to be Able to Do Standing on His Head

We can’t exactly describe what is presented below as a job and it is for a pittance, but is that new to many of us ex-soldiers?  And is finding a job the only thing that determines a meaningful and rewarding life?  Some things appeal to higher reasoning:  the wife wants you out from underfoot, you are bored and looking for something to do … or you want to do some good for others.

Well, stand up and give Habitat for Humanity of the Lehigh Valley, a member organization, a try.  Don’t let the homebuilding construction knowledge requirement deter you from applying.  Show them the value of a “military education” — we know how to lead, learn quickly, can adapt ourselves to the situation, and continue to give more of ourselves than money can pay.

For the younger of you, it won’t hurt the resume, either. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation Seeks All-Volunteer Nonprofits to Assist With Grants

PVF LogoFor the first time, the Pennsylvania Veterans Foundation (PVF) “… is seeking to assist approximately ten Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that help military veteran with grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000.  Specifically, the PVF is asking County Directors of Veterans Affairs and other community leaders to identify noteworthy organizations that are doing tremendous work yet need some extra resources to expand their effectiveness and reach,” states Mike Gould, the foundation’s Chairman of the Board. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — VALOR Mini-Stand Down Moves to Downtown Bethlehem

Persistence pays.  VALOR Clinic Foundation, a member of the Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Action Committee (an LVMAC alliance) is conducting another one of its mini-stand downs in the Lehigh Valley.  This time it will be on 16 August at Sand Island in the City of Bethlehem.  It is its second attempt to reach out to the homeless in the Bethlehem area and its fifth stand down in the Lehigh Valley this year — the three other ones were conducted in the Allentown area.  As related in a previous article, this nonprofit will serve any homeless person, not just veterans … but getting to our homeless veterans is its first priority.  If you know of one, contact Bob Rapp (see flyer below).  Transportation can be arranged. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Still Serving Homeless Veterans

Our Only Homeless Veterans Shelter in the Lehigh Valley Seeks Your Assistance

Victory House LogoIt may not be as fashionable these days to talk about transition shelters for the chronic homelessness, with all the new emphasis on Housing First models (permanent housing with at least initial case management) and preventive services, but like shoes for feet, “one size does not fit all.” There is a place for this service which wraps itself around a chronically homeless veteran and assists him/her in recovery to the point that he/she resumes a productive life – and being concerned about the continuum of care often needed afterwards. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbit — Rotary Club of Bethlehem Falls In to Help Our Local Veterans and Their Families

Bethlehem Rotary Tastes&Tunes Flyer 5Oct2014The Rotary Club of Bethlehem, via a fundraiser in the Fall (5 October), has decided to support the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council in its efforts to help military veterans who could use special assistance. The Council is thankful to them for their willingness to help us in serving this important segment of our society and our local community; and their effort neatly dovetails with needs being generated by some of our alliance efforts. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

LVMAC Tidbits — Will It Be a ‘Short’ Summer? Help the Homeless

Summer approaches.  Your neighbors are anticipating seeing your knobbly knees once again.  Surprise them and beautify the community at the same time.  Donate your shorts for use by the VALOR Clinic Foundation and help a homeless person (with better knees).  Don’t forget the T-Shirts from Hawaii, either.

Hope for Veterans and the Lehigh Valley Business Group are assisting VALOR Clinic Foundation in collecting clothing items for its stand downs.  You can drop off items to them directly at our monthly Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council meetings or at one of their drop-off locations below.  Simple kindness matters. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer — Their American Dream is Homelessness?

One Way You Can Help Your Homeless Veterans Locally – Find Them, Gather Them

LVMAC Poster Art 2005Not all who are homeless deserve their circumstance. Good families are affected nowadays. We of the Lehigh Valley are a hardy people, but living on the streets or in pioneer camps should not be our final option. It is an unfortunate reality nonetheless.

Pioneer Camp (courtesy of Clinic Valor Foundation)It seems doubly a shame for our community when one who has honorably served and actually fought for his or her country is found in such a condition. Whether it is this veteran’s pride or behavior, or a combination of both, that has led to the situation should not matter to us – we can always find a plausible excuse for inaction.

As the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) activates its new Lehigh Valley Homeless Veterans Action Committee to attack veteran’s homelessness as a regional problem, one of its participants is already trying to get those in the most extreme of circumstances in from the “cold.”  VALOR Clinic Foundation, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit now working its way down from the Bangor area into the wider Lehigh Valley, has taken up the mission of establishing routine stand downs in the Lehigh Valley. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago