Veterans | ORPE-ComDev

Helping America's Heroes

Veteran Services

Committed to Ending Veterans Homelessness

President Obama and Secretary Shinseki in 2009 have committed themselves to ending homelessness among Veterans. In support of that effort, the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness 2010 developed by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) established as one of its goals to prevent and end homelessness among Veterans in five years. An understanding of the epidemiology of homelessness among Veterans and the methodological strengths and weaknesses of this evidence base may inform program-planning efforts and future research needs. Understanding the risk factors for homelessness among Veterans and how these risk factors compare to the general population is important in developing identification and prevention programs for Veterans at risk of homelessness. This report was requested by VA Central Office and The National Center for Homelessness Among Veterans as part of that effort to identify what is known and what is not known about the prevalence of homelessness among Veterans, and about the risk factors for homelessness among Veterans, including risk factors related to military service and incarceration. The result from the report shows that in the United States, nearly 47,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and twice as many experience homelessness during a year. Right now, the number of homeless Vietnamera veterans is higher than the number of service persons who died during the Vietnam war, and veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are already appearing among the homeless population.

We'll be offering targeted veterans’ programs, and we would like to be the leading human services provider to homeless veterans in Maryland, DC, and VA areas. We're committed to ending homelessness for those already on the street and preventing others from becoming homeless.

At Orpe Human Rights Advocates, we have immense gratitude for those men and women who have sacrificed for our country. We also have our sympathy to those homeless individuals and families who are facing hardship at this time. For veterans, we recognize that as a result of their service, they have particular needs that require special support. We take pride in assisting them in multiple ways. Below is some information about our programs for veterans and people facing homelessness and the ways in which others can get involved.

Offering Targeted Programs

Various Programs for Veterans and People in Homeless

Our organization aims to offer a variety of needs to this deserving population. Our many programs will be providing aid and support to veterans and their families and homeless. Our Restoring Dignity to Hopeless strives to empower annually while targeting unemployment, substance abuse, and homelessness. Recipients are encouraged to take advantage of multiple offerings so they can move forward into a rich and fulfilling life.

Employment programs run the gamut from job skill development to providing transportation. For veterans suffering from mental illness, substance abuse issues, or a dual diagnosis, various services are available to address and treat those conditions so a healthy existence can be restored.

Housing for Homeless Veterans

hard towards ending homelessness among veterans, recognizing that it is an acute problem not only in the Midwest but nationwide. Therefore, addressing it is one of our top priorities. Through our partnership with the Home Depot Foundation, we are striving to reach our goal of having all veterans living and thriving in independent housing.

While the specifics vary geographically within the region, we are able to offer veterans a range of housing options, including affordable housing and emergency shelter beds. We operate our housing programs in conjunction with other support services. With the assistance of case managers, clinical treatment programs, support from their peers, and a stable housing situation, veterans work towards permanent employment and independent housing.

How You Can Help

Orpe Human rights Advocates continually seeks enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to assist in various capacities in our organization, such as working in our thrift stores or hosting a birthday celebration. When you organize a donation drive, group activity, service project or fundraiser, you are making a direct impact on the life of a veteran and his or her family.

There are various ways that you can help, including: