Homeless Veterans – Deserve Better
Please, Help us get our homeless Veteran Men and Women off the street
The military and our government have changed since I first enlisted in the Army. When I first enlisted we used to take care of our own. When a fellow service member was hurt or in trouble, we would jump in and help, usually with no questions asked. No days, that attitude does not seem to be as prevalent. Our country no longer takes care of its own.
The National Coalition for the Homeless website(http://nationalhomeless.org/factsheets/veterans.html) states there are between 131,000 to 200,000 homeless veterans in America on any given night. That represents one-fourth to one-fifth of all homeless people. Here is an excerpt from their webpage (see link above).
“Three times that many veterans are struggling with excessive rent burdens and thus at increased risk of homelessness. Further, there is concern about the future. Women veterans and those with disabilities including post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury are more likely to become homeless, and a higher percentage of veterans returning from the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have these characteristics.”
Even one homeless veteran is one too many. Our veterans were willing to lay everything on the line to protect us and our way of life. Now, when they need help, our country turns its back on them.
In my opinion, this is “unsat” (unsatisfactory). This is not “taking care of our own”. Therefore, I have started the GLS Veterans Home. The mission of the GLS Veterans Home is to provide a safe and supportive environment for homeless and transitioning veterans. The intent is to assist our veterans to recover from any trauma they may have experienced and return to a “normal” life.
When our veterans first arrive at our home we will evaluate them. Those veterans who require treatment will receive the necessary treatment. Those veterans who require it will be provided with drug/alcohol rehabilitation, as well as, medical, psychological help for issues such as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury, etc.
GLS Veterans Home will work with Veteran Affairs and Disabled American Veterans and other groups and organizations to get our veterans any medical, educational, or disability benefits they may be entitled.
Your generous donation aids us to begin helping our homeless veterans. With your donation we will be able to get our veterans off the streets, no matter where in the world they are, and keep them off the streets. The donations we collect enables us to get our veterans into a safe and secure home. Not just a “stop over station” for a night that puts them back on the street the next morning. The donations we receive will help the veterans get back on their feet and release them from the demons of war. Once our veterans are on their feet we will help them secure a job and help give them stability again. The stability and freedom they deserve.
What can you receive for your wonderful donation? You will have the satisfaction of being a part of helping our service men and women when they needed it most. Nothing else can provide the heartfelt warmth that comes from helping those in need. Especially when they are one of our own.
How can you help? You can help our veterans by donating to the GLS Veterans Home GoFundMe site (https://www.gofundme.com/m8ejahqj). To donate click the GoFundMe link or copy the link and paste in your browser and then select the “Donate Now” button.
Enter the amount you wish to donate ($5 is minimum that GoFundMe will accept). Enter your email address and zip code. Enter a comment (optional). Then click the “Continue” button.
Enter your credit card information (GoFundMe is a safe and secure site). Select the “Next” button and confirm your information, then finish.
No matter how large or small, your donation will make a tremendous difference in the lives of our military men and women. Knowing you were there when our veterans needed you will give you a feeling that cannot be found anywhere. I ask you please donate now and together we can get our great veterans off the streets and on the road to a better and more productive life.
Thank you and bless you
Very Respectfully
Guy L Snodgrass
CW2, RET
[Note: We are still working on our website. Please check back often for updates and more information.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What about those who claim to be veterans, but are not? “Stolen Valor”
A: GLS Veterans Home is for homeless or transitioning veterans. This will be confirmed by securing a DD-214 for veteran. If the veteran does not have a DD-214 we will request one. If someone falsely claims to be a veteran will move them to another homeless shelter, however, at this time, they will not be allowed to stay. Any one who falsely claims to be a veteran will be permanently banned from our home. Integrity is a trait that must be present to be able to help each other.
Q: What is the priority of homeless/transitioning veterans?
A: Currently priority will be veterans (and families) who are homeless. Transitioning veterans will be accepted as space permits. We will work with various organizations to help prevent a transitioning veteran from becoming homeless. We will never leave a veteran alone.
Q: Do the veterans have to be in Kentucky to get a place?
A: No. We will travel to or make travel arrangements for the veteran to get to our home. We will be working with the various social service and veteran agencies to locate and bring our veterans home.
Q: How long will a veteran be allowed to stay at GLS Veterans Home?
A: Our veterans will stay as long as they need in order to get their feet back under them. GLS Veterans home is so named because it is intended to be a home, not a “shelter”. Too often we have seen “band-aids” stuck on a “sucking chest wound”. This is not one of those times. Our veterans deserve the opportunity to have a descent life and we intend to see they get the chance. We will take care of own.
Great Living Sources 