VETS ON TRACK FOUNDATION

As an organization, the Vets on Track Foundation works diligently at the grass-roots level with organizations that are working to place homeless veterans and first responders into permanent housing. Our overall objective through the Foundation's "Beyond the Streets Program" is to end veteran and other secondary population homelessness. We can accomplish this objective by providing these individuals the needed household goods to transform empty houses into homes. We have created a business model that works, and are working to duplicate this model in other cities throughout Virginia, the East Coast, and eventually the rest of the country.

Through our "Beyond the Streets" Program, we continue to work with each vet for the following three months to re-educate those we serve about the basics of self-sufficient living. During the course of three months, our volunteers follow up with each of our clients several times to ensure they are developing the necessary life skills to maintain their personal hygiene, their homes and social skills needed to reenter their communities as productive citizens.

When needed, our volunteers actually spend time to re-teach many of life’s basics - cleaning a house, taking a shower or going to buy groceries. While on the street it could be as simple as having food and a place to lay your head at night.

Many organizations are doing great work in getting these heroes off the streets, but particular attention must be made once the housing is secured. Veterans and first responders are being placed into permanent housing without the basic comforts of home, like a bed or a sofa. If someone has to come home day after day to an empty house, it ultimately affects their moral, self-esteem and translates into a lack of motivation to get their lives back on track. For years to come, America’s 911 Force and their families will continue to face unique challenges, but at the same time, with a “hand-up” these servants will have great potential to continue contributing to their community and country. As a Nation it is important that we all do our part to understand their perspective and offer a helping hand when and where we can!