Private Philanthropy: Bellwether of Opportunity THERE IS NO ONE ANSWER in our
ONE LIFE AT A TIME
quest to find the best life possible for America’s returning veterans. e paths to full integration with civilian life are as varied as the veterans themselves. And each successive generation of veterans represents a singular set of challenges — and opportunities to honor their service.
As we work to fill the needs left unmet by a patchwork of federal programs, we encounter a wealth of opportunity every day to make a difference — one life at a time. We weave a safety net around veterans that helps to return them whole to mainstream society. ousands of soldiers will be coming back from Iraq and Afghanistan, and we must anticipate their needs. Now is the time to tackle this challenge.
DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF PUBLICPRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
Backed by our legacy of service, Volunteers of America has long leveraged government funding with private money to serve veterans and their families. Philanthropy ensures continuity, providing the edge of assurance in the face of fluctuating federal budgets. It affords us the flexibility we need as a best-practice organization to meet changing needs and take advantage of emerging solutions.
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Increase the number and variety of permanent and transitional housing options for veterans and their families. Respond to the unique needs of women veterans. Expand veterans’ access to mental health services and substance-abuse treatment. Support veterans who suffered mental and physical injuries, and support veterans as they age. Offer more supportive services to enable veterans and families to maintain housing and live independently. Assist veterans to improve their employability. Serve as strong advocates for veterans and their issues.
THE HOME DEPOT FOUNDATION INVESTS IN VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA TO HELP AMERICA’S VETERANS The Home Depot Foundation is committed to ensuring that every veteran has a safe place to call home. Its goal is to provide veterans in need and their families with some sense of comfort and normalcy as they work to recover and rebuild their lives. “Volunteers of America has been an outstanding partner over the last two years. With its national reach and track record of effectiveness, together we have been able to make a tangible difference in the lives of veterans across the country,” says Foundation President Kelly Caffarelli. Since 2011, The Home Depot Foundation has invested more than $3.4 million in 32 Volunteers of America locations with a grant to repair and rehabilitate housing for veterans and their families. In addition to contributing grant dollars, the Foundation has connected teams of local associates with Volunteers of America affiliates to help with building, painting and planting. “Giving veterans who were formerly homeless a secure place to live makes a powerful difference in their quality of life,” says Caffarelli. “It is the least we can do to recognize the tremendous sacrifice they have made for us.” LOCATIONS THAT BENEFITED FROM THE HOME DEPOT FOuNDATION 2011 GRANT DOLLARS: Boaz, Centerville, Cullman, Huntsville, Mobile, and Woodville, AL; Los Angeles, CA; Jacksonville and Miami, FL; Fort Wayne, IN; Louisville, KY; Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Shreveport, LA; Detroit and Niles, MI; Sioux Falls, SD; Houston, TX; and Spokane, WA.
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