Interview with Director of National Home, Mike Wilson

Q: CAN YOU PLEASE DESCRIBE WHAT THE VFW NATIONAL HOME IS FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT KNOW?

A: VFW National Home is located in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. It is a community consisting of 42 single family homes occupied by veterans and their families. It includes common areas such as a gym, library, computer and science labs, daycare center, playgrounds, fishing pond, hiking trails and more.

The occupants can live in the homes for free for up to 4 years, while they work through certain issues they are facing, such as reintegration, post-traumatic stress, high unemployment and rehabilitation from battlefield injuries, among others.

The occupants create life goals when they move in to combat the challenges they are facing. They actively strive to reach these goals, working alongside a case manager, during their time of residency at VFW National Home. These goals can include anything from obtaining a better job to creating a healthier family dynamic.

The National Home’s community is open to the families of actively serving military personnel, veterans, and relatives of VFW and VFW Auxiliary members. The family can be one or both parents with one or more children.

Q: CALIFORNIA SPONSORS 2 NATIONAL HOMES. WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO THESE HOMES MAKE?

A: These homes truly make such a significant impact. For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian life can be very challenging, and these homes provide the extra assistance needed to get veterans and their families back on the right track.

After living in the VFW National Home community, we see occupants improve themselves in multiple ways, such as completing degrees, getting better paying jobs, being able to put down healthy down payments on homes, and just becoming happier families in general.

To see more information on the California Homes, visit: https://vfwnationalhome.org/about-us/community/homes/california-1/ https://vfwnationalhome.org/about-us/community/homes/california-2/

Q: THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY IS COMING UP SOON –CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE EVENTS SURROUNDING THIS MILESTONE?

A: We will be celebrating our 100th anniversary on January 7th, 2025. January 7th is the day that the VFW signed the articles of incorporation for the National Home.

On March 9th, 2025, there will be a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony at the newly renovated Pollett House, named after the first family that came to live at the National Home.

On June 28th, 2025, there will be a 100th Birthday Party where the community will come together to celebrate.

Lastly, the VFW National Convention will take place that year (2025) in August in Columbus, Ohio, and there will be a miniature version of the homes on display.

Q: HOW CAN PEOPLE CONTRIBUTE TO THIS CAUSE?

A: Being a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we truly appreciate any support and generosity. There are a variety of ways to contribute, so however you choose to provide support, we greatly thank you. Please visit our website at https://vfwnationalhome.org/you-can-help/ to see all the different ways you can help.