CHANGING THE END OF THE STORY
When Jack Downing, Soldier On’s President and CEO, talks about what we do, he talks about changing the end of the story for formerly homeless veterans.
That’s what this organization is about.
Since 1994, we have been helping homeless veterans of the United States Armed Services by providing shelter, counseling, job training and education.
We continue to provide all of those necessary services. Now, however, we’re taking it to the next level; we are creating an opportunity for formerly homeless veterans to complete the transition from homelessness to home ownership.
In October 2009, we will break ground on The Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community, Pittsfield, a limited equity housing project that represents a new vision of what’s possible for formerly homeless veterans. Conceived and brought to reality under Jack Downing’s leadership, Veterans Village is a first-of-its-kind project in the United States. It will give veterans who were on the streets the chance to own their homes surrounded by the services they need to help them keep their lives together. Through these projects, we will move from offering a response to veteran homelessness to providing a permanent solution.
WHY WE'RE HERE
On any given night, more than 275,000 veterans can be found huddled on the streets and under the bridges of our country. One in five homeless Americans is a veteran.
The veterans we serve are men and women who have served our country and who now struggle with a variety of issues. They have mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse problems, and other issues that require treatment.
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides health services, but was not created to address homelessness. And other organizations that work with the homeless are not equipped to deal with the unique needs of veterans.
We’re here to fill the gap and to help those who have served reclaim their lives and their place in the community.
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED
As a private, non-profit organization, we rely on donations from individuals, organizations and businesses for the funding we need to carry out our mission.
Make a donation today by mail or via PayPal.
Spread the word. Tell people about us and what we’re doing. Send them to our web site.
Wear Soldier On Civvies. When you make a donation we’ll send you a Soldier On T-shirt or cap. Wear the gear — and tell the people you meet what it’s about.
HEAR JACK OUT
Jack Downing is a compelling speaker who delivers a strong message about hope and ingenuity.
Jack can help motivate the people in your company, group or organization with a message that combines gritty reality with the story of what highly motivated people can accomplish when their work has personal meaning to them: The Soldier On story.
Talk to us to learn more about bringing Jack in to speak at your event, meeting or conference.
