WASHINGTON – As part of its drive to end homelessness among Veterans by 2015, the Department of Veterans Affairs is launching a nation-wide outreach initiative, “Make the Call,” to spread the message about its special programs to help homeless Veterans and their families to 28 communities across the nation in October.

“Those who have served this nation as Veterans should never find themselves on the streets, living without care and without hope,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

Shinseki noted that 28 communities – from Atlanta to Hawaii – will host special programs this fall highlighting local services for homeless Veterans, their families and those at risk of becoming homeless.

“Working with our partners in state and local government, the non-profit and the private sectors, we can restore our homeless Veterans and their families to the lives of dignity they’ve earned,” Shinseki added.

This fiscal year, VA expects to spend $3.4 billion to provide health care to homeless Veterans and $800 million in specialized homeless programs. The latest studies say more than 75,000 Veterans are homeless on a typical night, and about 135,000 spend at least one night a year in a homeless shelter.

VA is encouraging family, friends and citizens in the community to “Make the Call” and help prevent and end homelessness among Veterans. Since March 2010, VA has offered a toll-free telephone number, staffed around the clock by trained professionals, to help homeless Veterans, their families and at-risk people. The number is 877-4AID-VET (or 877-424-3838).

Recently, VA has transformed its efforts in the fight against homelessness. It is changing from a program focus upon temporary, shelter-based services, to prevention, employment, permanent housing, and help to families and Veterans at risk of becoming homeless.

The remaining special awareness and outreach programs are in:

• Georgia – Atlanta, Oct. 29
• Louisiana – New Orleans, Oct. 22
• Massachusetts —Boston, Oct. 20
• New York – New York Harbor, Oct. 21
• Texas – Houston, Oct. 20

More information about VA’s programs for homeless Veterans, at-risk Veterans and their families is available at www.va.gov/homeless.

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This is a public service announcement (PSA) brought to you by Veteran Owned Business.

Cars4Vets Details: Cars4Vets is a non-profit organization here to help the homeless veterans reestablish their role in society by equipping them with the reliable transportation needed to locate and maintain gainful employment and education. We deliver a “Hand Up” not a “Hand Out”. At the same time, cleaning up the community of all junk, broken down and unwanted vehicles. We offer a Free Roadside Assistance Service and Free labor for any work performed at our Tucson shop to all veterans residing in Tucson, AZ. We collect vehicles from all 50 states of the U.S. and Canada as well as other gifts as donations to help service our men and women veterans. We would like to spread our support to other Homeless programs such as Escalante and Esparanza Transitional Housing of Tucson, AZ. Read more about Cars4Vets…

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.

AVET Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the needs of active-duty military and veterans of the United States of America. AVET Project has an ambitious goal to furnish, free of charge, every military member (approx 1.5 million) with a Empowerment Equipment Bag (EEB), which is a collection of personal care items and empowerment information. Donations are needed and appreciated so we can continue to expand this important mission.

Additionally, AVET Project is seeking donations to support our “Project Rest and Recuperation”, which affords returning service members and their spouses an opportunity to readjust and reconnect with their loved ones after leaving combat 24/7 for months,… even years. AVET Project believes our heroes deserve a safe, relaxing place on the East & West coasts to decompress, sleep well and recuperate… all for FREE.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.

United States Children of Heroes Choir’s Mission:
“Provide for the children and families of our fallen Military Heroes, and the children and families of those troops so badly injured, they can no longer support their families, They fought for America and paid the supreme price to keep our great country beautiful, strong and free… view complete listing.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.

From Veterans Fellowship Association:
“Our Mission Statement is “WE DO GOOD THINGS”. We embrace all veterans, their families AND friends. Nobody is discounted simply because they were not able to serve in a military capacity. All of us are in this world together to do good. Fellowship is the key word.… view complete listing.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.

From Veteran’s Property Management Inc.:
“Veteran’s Property Management Inc. is a non-profit organization. We are a Veterans organization for the sole purpose so the Veteran’s that we house and provide jobs for can receive pay for their work. We purchase homes and fix them up to provide housing for Veteran’s. The companies we use are owned by Veteran’s and have agreed to hire these Veteran’s that come through our program. Though our program is mainly focused towards Veterans some of our services will be open to the public… view complete listing.

Are you with a non profit organization?  If you are, be sure to get your organization’s free listing in the Veteran Owned Business Directory: http://www.veteranownedbusiness.com/signup.php?plan=4.