Volunteers of America Saves Voiceless Heroes
Sacramento, Calif. (July 21, 2014) – Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada (VOA), is “helping America’s most vulnerable” rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Among these vulnerable individuals are veterans who are experiencing a difficult time transitioning from military to civilian life. From assisting in employment opportunities, to providing stable housing, VOA continues their search for veterans who are homeless or soon-to-be homeless and is need of support in Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, and Placer counties.
A large number of men and women who have served our country are currently living on the streets. In most cases, these homeless veterans are unaware that organizations such as VOA provide services specifically designed for those in their current situation.
“We are proud to support the courageous men and women who have fought for the freedom of our country,” said Becca Bettis, VOA Veterans Services Director, “Our passion to provide programs to assist veterans everyday reminds us of what truly matters: coming together as a community for a greater good.”
The leading cause of homelessness is directly related to an individual’s inability to find, and maintain, sufficient employment. In turn, young veterans, ages 18 to 30, are twice as likely as the general population to be homeless, not to mention female veterans are 2 to 3 times more likely to be homeless than male veterans. Aiming to provide homeless veterans, and their families, with a second chance at life, VOA recognizes its impact on a specific situation that may have seemed unattainable to those fighting through an unwavering transition. Since inception, VOA’s Veterans Services have given 509 veterans the tools to build brighter futures and a healthy living.
For those individuals who served in the military, but never experienced combat firsthand, many do not self-identify as veterans. In turn, these individuals are unaware of the programs available to them in order to assist in building a life after the military. One in five homeless individuals in the United States (U.S.) is a veteran, with California being the largest veteran population in U.S.
The goal of VOA Veterans Services is to empower these men and women and provide them with the best tools for reintegration through human service programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing and referrals for substance abuse treatment. It is never too late to touch the minds and hearts of those in need.
To learn more about VOA’s Veterans Services, visit www.voa-ncnn.org or call (916) 228-3153.
About Volunteers of America:
Founded nationally in 1896 and established in Sacramento in 1911, Volunteers of America is a national, non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to ending homelessness, supporting the most vulnerable populations and transforming the community into a safer, healthier place. Sacramento Area’s Volunteers of America currently offers more than 40 locally managed and delivered programs. Services provided include food and shelter, counseling, independent living and parenting skills, substance-abuse treatment and rehabilitation, and job development.
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