Welcoming More Veterans Each year during the second week of November, Americans pause to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans. On November 10th Catholic Charities will host Veterans Day celebrations in Kansas City and St. Joseph as a time of reflection and gratitude for the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our country deserve recognition not only on this day, but every day of the year.
This year, we are especially proud to highlight the expansion of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, a critical initiative created by the VA aimed at preventing and ending veteran homelessness. We are grateful to continue our partnership with the VA to assist very low-income veteran families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to secure housing and start a path towards self-reliance.
The expansion of our veteran’s program enables us to serve 23 total counties in MO and KS. Including two counties in KS: Johnson & Wyandotte. This is up from 18 counties last year. This increase reflects a strong vote of confidence in our team’s performance to meet the need of every homeless veteran in our area. It also showcases a national commitment to the principle that no veteran should be left without a safe place to call home. With new funding and resources, twice as many veterans will be provided rapid rehousing assistance, help obtaining VA benefits, medical assistance, workforce training and housing stability. Our veterans have fulfilled their duty in serving our country and Catholic Charities will continue our duty in support of rebuilding their lives with dignity.
On this Veterans Day, I extend our deepest thanks not only to those who have served in uniform, but also to the individuals who stand beside them in civilian life – spouses, children, parents – who share in the sacrifices of military life. Your strength and support form the backbone of our military community, and your role in the well-being of veterans after their service is irreplaceable. Thank you, veterans, for your service. Thank you, community, for your support. Together, we can ensure that every veteran receives the respect, care, and stability they have earned.
By: Karen Noel, Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph