Friends of the VIC,
As we transition through this challenging time, I wanted to let you know that the VIC continues to provide essential service to our homeless population. I know what you are thinking,” Another notice on how an organization is handling Coronavirus”! However, you all are our friends and we think it is important for you to know that we are 100% operational and fully staffed continuing to support our Veteran families throughout the state.
This includes maintaining our multiple housing options of emergency, transitional and rapid re-housing. And, providing 100% staffing for the comprehensive wrap-around services that have been proven to increase our long-term housing stability rates of over 75%, well above the national average. Staff also continue to operate the Community Support Shuttle in the downtown corridor connecting homeless and indigent individuals with key supportive services. We continue to have high ridership of approximately 1100-1200 riders per month. As an essential element of the community-wide effort to help the homeless, even during this time of uncertainty, the Shuttle will operate daily. We have implemented multiple layers of protective measures for our staff, and continue to have our food pantry operating on a normal schedule using no contact issuance of food resources for the over 27% food insecure in our community.
A pandemic does not discriminate. It does not care if you are able to “self-isolate” in a home or in a tent on the street. And, as an essential resource to those in need, the VIC will continue to provide quality services for our community. BUT, we need your help. In this difficult time, we are running direly short of several supplies, and are hoping you may be able to support our efforts to help Veteran families. You have multiple options, and as always, we appreciate your continued support of our nation’s Heroes. You can make a tax deductible donation either via our website link www.nmvic.org or by check.
We also are accepting the following items in short supply:
Toilet paper (individually or package wrapped)
Hand sanitizer (any sizes)
Non-perishable food resources
Like our brothers and sisters on the front lines in the military, police and fire departments, healthcare providers, and even the grocers, we will not run from a fight! Working together as a community, we can defeat the virus and end Veteran family homelessness in New Mexico. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you find a Veteran in need, and please feel free to call if you have donations to support our Veteran families in their transition to long-term housing stability.
WE appreciate all the support YOU provide to the VIC and our Veteran families!
BOBBY S. EHRIG, MPA
Chief Executive Officer
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