BUDDY-TO-BUDDY VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CALL November 7-8, 2016 Buddy-to-Buddy is a peer-to-peer outreach program that trains veterans to provide peer support and linkage to needed resources for Michigan Post-9/11 service members and veterans. Visit us at www.buddytobuddy.org or reach us at buddytobuddyvvp@umich.edu or 1-888-82-BUDDY. Every week, Buddy-to-Buddy holds Support Calls for its 120+ volunteers, sharing resources and bringing guest speakers to provide information on topics of interest and available services.
Guest Speaker Presentation
Vets Returning Home Guest Speaker Sandy Bower Founder, Director Vets Returning Home 586-285-5606 sandy@vetsreturninghome.org
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Sandy Bowers is the founder and director of Vets Returning Home Started in 2013 as a 11,000 sq. ft. transitional facility, with 43 beds to support homeless male veterans in Macomb County. Have expanded to include six female beds, only transitional living facility that offers beds/services to female veterans, they do not have the capacity to support families but will help get them into a hotel/motel until housing or SSVF grant is available. Vets Returning Home is 501c3 organization, organization is supported by all community donations. (Local VFWs and Knights of Columbus) Since the inception they have been able to support/help over 500 veterans. They work to get veteran housed and connected to other community resources to veteran with other needs.
Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program
www.buddytobuddy.org
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They offer case management, help with benefits (SSI disability or VA), employment, life skills course, food (Royalty House and Costco), Clothing among other resources. Facility is volunteer run, with only two managers on site that are paid staff. Veterans looking for assistance must pass a drug and alcohol test, have no violent/sex felonies, should have not have a dishonorable discharge, must be deemed mentally stable, and must participate in all program services/therapy sessions provided. (final determination is looked at on a case by case basis). Goal is to help the veteran maintain a stable life to reduce the chance of reentering the homeless cycle. An area that many veterans still need support in is other household supplies; pots, pans, sheets, utensils, etc. Once sustainable housing has been located/granted to the veteran they will be given a bed and food from the VVA Chapter 154 food pantry. The food pantry is located at 18025 E. 15 MILE ROAD CLINTON TOWNSHIP MI 48035 (586) 776-9810 PHONE; any veteran can receive food three times a year by providing a VA ID card or a copy of your DD214. Vets Returning Home has an open door policy for future assistance the veterans might need. There are no residency restrictions; veterans are accepted from across the country. Looking for volunteers to support with various positions. Please check out the website for more information great video testimonials from veterans that have stayed in the housing facility. http://vetsreturninghome.org/ When they have urgent needs they will do a Call to Action on Facebook. Please follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/search/499182593499805/local_search?surface=tyah
Location
17955 E. Eleven Mile Road, Roseville, MI 48066 This is the location of the old Red Cross Building at 11 Mile and Gratiot
Buddy-to-Buddy Volunteer Veteran Program
www.buddytobuddy.org