Recently, there have been log jams in the VA which were preventing homeless veterans in Central Oregon from getting housing (read story here).
The VA finally did a temporary fix which has allowed 17 homeless veterans to get housing vouchers, which is fantastic!
Now think about it, these vets have been homeless, traveling light. Some have lived in shelters, motels or been couch surfing and still others have lived in tents. They have no furniture, no bedding and no household goods. They have nothing that couldn’t be as mobile as their owners needed to be. At this point they don’t have the funds to purchase all the furniture and household items they need.
That’s where you and I come in! Central Oregon Veterans Outreach, Housing Works and Bend Community Center are teaming up to gather the needed items for these veterans. We can take donations to The Community Center Thrift Shop which is one block west of the 7-11 on 97 across from Safeway. Things needed are furniture, bedding, towels all kinds of kitchen items. Think of things someone setting up a household need. Instead of donating to Goodwill- you can donate it to a local vet! You can make a difference in a local’s life! You can do it, I know you can!
KBND has a little article here on the left under local news.
Also, another worthy group needs the same kind of items, Deschutes County Behavioral Health. These are going to help individuals with mental illness transition into independent living. Individuals with items to donate to the Deschutes County effort are asked to call or e-mail first. Contact: rebeccae@co.deschutes .or.us or 541-330-4638.
Helping causes like these makes Central Oregon a better and stronger community for all of us!
The Central Oregon Veteran 