(ANOKA COUNTY PRESS RELEASE) – Do you want to do more for our country’s veterans? An anonymous donor has pledged to match any donation to help homeless veterans through Haven for Heroes, up to $375,000, for a potential life-changing impact of up to $750,000.
According to Rubin, a veteran who sought help from Haven for Heroes, “Haven for Heroes gave me the inspiration to look within myself to find what I needed to do to change my life and
seek out the people who could help me do that.”
Veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than other Americans due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.
About 1.5 million veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness.
Haven for Heroes is open for both male and female homeless veterans and their families.
According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, a large number of displaced and atrisk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse,
which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. Additionally, military occupations and training are not always transferable to the civilian workforce, placing some
veterans at a disadvantage when competing for employment. A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol.
“That is exactly what the Haven provides,” according to State Senator Jim Abeler, a veteran’s advocate and instrumental leader of the effort to realize the Havens for Heroes
community.
The Ramsey Lions quickly pitched in to be the first to contribute $10,000 toward the match campaign. Donations of any size are welcome. Donations can be mailed directly to Haven for
Heroes, or made online via Pay Pal, or via the City of Anoka.
Haven for Heroes is located in the city of Anoka, on the campus of the historic Minnesota State Hospital at Anoka. Haven for Heroes’ mission is to provide a place of safety and refuge for
veterans and/or their family members who, for whatever reason, need assistance.
About Haven for Heroes Haven for Heroes, founded in December of 2018, is a stand-alone, non-profit, substance
and alcohol-free board and lodging facility that provides recovery and transitional housing to service members and veterans. Access to services and various activities in the community is
offered — including those provided by the Veterans Administration, or in cooperation with the VA, and other supportive entities.
“The Anoka community has preserved, restored, and provided these historical cottages and auditorium for the purpose of helping veterans,” said Bart Ward, community leader and veterans
advocate who has led development efforts for Haven for Heroes. “This is a grateful community filled with those who have served, past and present, and civilians who are appreciative, thankful,
and eager to give back to our heroes.”
“The prevalence of veterans having diagnoses of mental health concerns such as traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder, along with serious substance abuse, means
diligence is necessary. There are veterans in surrounding communities also struggling and opening the in-house programs to them will provide a beacon of light in the community for help and hope,”
said Abeler.
Guiding Principles:
• Honor and hold yourself and others in high esteem.
• Addiction is not your friend.
• View life as a gift to be lived abundantly!
• Empower yourself to succeed and be happy.
• Never give up on your goals and dreams.
Learn more via the Haven for Heroes website, https://www.haven4heroesmn.org or Facebook page.
