Home for Christmas
- Rita Sherrie
- 13 dic 2018
- 3 Min. de lectura
Thanks to the now-internationally known, award-winning Veterans Community Project, 26 U.S. military veterans, ages 34 to 87 are celebrating Christmas in their own homes. The 22 former servicemen and four women who risked everything in defense of country are no longer exposed to the elements. They occupy new tiny homes at 8900 Troost Ave. in south Kansas City, Mo.
“For us, Christmas … means being open and serving these individuals,” says Chris Stout, VCP founder and CEO. “Especially around the holidays, it’s hard for people who are homeless and transitioning.”
Community partners offered to provide meals before and after Christmas, Stout says. Organizations and individuals are donating gift baskets for residents. VCP is collecting new and clean, gently used winter clothing for residents. All cold-weather gear is welcome – coats, gloves, new socks, hats, boots, anything to help individuals endure the elements. Donations can be dropped off at VCP, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Stout says.
The former U.S. Army corporal just returned from New York City where he was honored as a top-10 finalist for the CNN Heroes Award, an international contest celebrating “everyday people doing extraordinary things to change the world.” Stout was awarded $10,000, which he’ll receive in February.
Asked if he’s earmarked the prize money, Stout said, “Not yet, we’ll put it where it’s most needed in February, when we’ll probably be building houses.”
Lauren Bush Lauren, granddaughter of the late Pres. George H.W. Bush, presented Stout’s award during the 12th Annual CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, held Dec. 9 at the American Museum of Natural History.
The honor ensures more than prize money. Winning the award adds credibility to VCP and brings international attention.
“The really cool thing is that it’s brought people to support our mission in all these new cities and an immense push for donations online,” Stout says.
Through 11:59 p.m., ET, Jan. 2, donations up to $50,000 made via CNNHeroes.com and crowdrise.com/cnnheroes will be matched by Subaru for the charity of each of the Top 10 CNN Heroes. Each must raise a minimum $25,000 online to qualify.
Stout, who was wounded in Afghanistan in 2005 and suffers from PTSD, mortgaged his house, gave up his job and used his life savings to start VCP with a few veteran buddies in 2015. They opened the first 26 homes in Veterans Village in January and November, this year. Eight of the original 13 residents have transitioned to permanent housing. Length of stay is customized to each veteran’s needs.
Veterans Village offers residents privacy, stability, security and nearby kinship. Each 240-square-foot home is completely furnished with a bed, bathroom and kitchen. VCP takes care of rent and utilities. Each home costs about $10,000.
Additionally, VCP has helped 8,000 veterans with clothing, counseling, emergency financial assistance, employment, food, housing, transportation and more.
Jamie Dohlman, VCP veterans resource coordinator says, “I see amazing things here every day.”
She credits the “dedication and passion that everybody has for the cause and our goals.”
VCP has received invitations from other cities to expand. It’s currently working with Longmont, Nashville and St. Louis.
“We will have houses on the ground in Colorado this time next year,” Stout says.
He champions the cause of homelessness.
It’s “a place, not a life definitive characteristic. I think we should engage homeless people and let them know we care and understand that life happens,” Stout says. “My experience is that when we engage with individuals who are struggling, it’s the most motivating thing for them.”
