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As we celebrate this holiday season, let us not forget our
nation’s veterans and the many freedoms that we enjoy today
because of them. There are potentially hundreds of thousands
of homeless veterans in America. They live on the streets
or are sent to jail simply because they have no place to sleep.
New Directions aims to change this. We honor their service
in the armed forces by helping them get back on their feet.
We help them find jobs, affordable housing, health care, and
a caring community.
Over
400 men and women soldiers have lost their lives in the war
in Iraq. While America faces a half a trillion dollar deficit
and low employment rates, thousands of soldiers will return
injured, maimed, or wounded--physically and/or emotionally.
New
Directions is prepared to help. We are planning for the future
with a new project in the San Fernando Valley at the Sepulveda
Veterans Administration. We are developing new affordable
housing for “special needs” veterans. This will give the most
vulnerable, at-risk veterans a community support network.
In addition, New Directions partnered with the Veterans Administration
and a host of outstanding providers in the Skid Row area to
outreach, treat, and house chronically homeless veterans in
Skid Row over the next 3 years.
Finally,
New Directions is managing the Westside Cold Weather Shelter
program for the winter months. Although the need for shelter
in West Los Angeles is much greater than the 300 beds available,
it is a small step towards housing the neediest among us,
almost half of whom are veterans. They fought for our freedom
in the past, now they need a fighting chance from us. Please
join us in helping homeless veterans return to their families
and society. I wish you a blessed holiday season.
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