Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans Contributes To Ending Veteran Homelessness

Funding available to prevent homelessness for Veterans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media Contact:
Donna Betzer
Volunteers of America
(o) 504-486-8667 | (c) 504-722-9575
dbetzer@voagno.org

New Orleans, LA (August 6, 2014) – First Lady Michelle Obama has been very supportive of the administration’s efforts to end homelessness among veterans. As the keynote speaker at the National Alliance to End Homelessness annual conference last week in Washington D.C., the First Lady applauded the great work of Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans for placing homeless veterans into permanent housing.

“For example, after Hurricane Katrina, Volunteers of America Greater New Orleans realized that their focus on sobriety programming wasn’t as effective as it could be. So they shifted their focus to getting veterans into permanent housing as quickly as possible. And in the last three years, they’ve already helped more than 400 veterans across the state of Louisiana,” said Michelle Obama.

The men and women who bravely protect our country often return home with wounds, both physical and mental, which make it difficult to return to civilian life. Volunteers of America is committed to serving veterans and their families, and ending veteran homelessness in Greater New Orleans.  

The Supportive Services for Veterans Families (SSVF) program at Volunteers of America offers assistance to any honorably discharged veteran that is in danger of becoming homeless or is currently homeless. The program can assist with paying past due utility bills, security deposits, child care, auto repairs and rent for up to five months. For more information about the SSVF program, call 504-483-3558.

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About Volunteers of America 

Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, faith-based organization dedicated to helping those in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Since 1896, our ministry of service has supported and empowered America's most vulnerable groups, including at-risk youth, the frail elderly, men returning from prison, people with disabilities, and those recovering from addictions. Our work touches the mind, body, heart-and ultimately the spirit-of those we serve, integrating our deep compassion with highly effective programs and services.