FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 03/17/2020
HELP HOMELESS OR AT-RISK VETERAN FAMILIES BUILD NEW LIVES
Imagine yourself putting on the uniform and selflessly serving your country. You may have endured unimaginable peril, you may have PTSD or trauma, or found yourself addicted to alcohols, drugs, or both, to help calm those memories and thoughts that will not go away. Maybe, you or your family became unexpectedly ill, and now you have to decide between paying rent or medical care for your family. New Mexico is one of only four states in the U.S. experiencing an increase in the number of homeless Veterans (16.4%, US HUD, 2018). Many of our Veterans have family members, and there an estimated 12 to 15,000 Veterans living in poverty or homelessness in our state.
At the VIC, we know that most of us honor and support our Veterans and want to see them thrive. Unfortunately, traditional sources of government funding have been drastically cut. But, in spite of major efforts to secure funding, the recent New Mexico Legislative Session provided zero dollars for any homeless Veteran program in the state for the second year in a row.
We are working to raise $50,000 to help provide multiple essential needs including: • Safe and supportive housing that enables Veteran families the opportunity for long-term housing stability • Furniture & Home Essentials that turn a “house” into a “home” • Food and nutritional resources to help reduce the over 27% food insecure in NM • Comprehensive wrap-around services and clinical support that ensure a Veteran’s ability to regain independence
Donations are 100% tax deductible, and over 90% of every dollar goes directly into VIC programs that support Veterans and their families. If you would like to be part of the solution, help us support Veterans ready for a new beginning. WE thank you, and THEY thank you!