Impact Report JULY - DECEMBER 2023
Clearing Paths and Opening Doors. Many people have worried about a Veteran who is struggling; for some, that Veteran has been themselves. Navigating the unchartered territory of PTSD-related depression or anxiety, broken relationships, unemployment, or homelessness is disorienting and painful for everyone involved.
YOUR Q3-Q4 IMPACT.
758
At-risk & unhoused Veterans served
For the last 8 years, Veterans Community Project has been in the business of way-finding; charting the complex terrain of Veteran homelessness and creating new paths around its known and unknown obstacles. For the Veterans we serve, these paths lead to the safety, hope, and readiness of a new start. Because of our steadfast supporters, VCP is housing more Veterans than ever before in Kansas City, Longmont, St. Louis, and Sioux Falls. Our Village residents not only experience the highest quality services available, but a community founded on dignity and respect. As we push forward with our expansion in Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, and now Glendale, we continue to be amazed at what a group of passionate people like you can do. Thank you for walking alongside us every step of the way, clearing paths and opening doors for even more Veterans on their journey home. With gratitude,
Bryan Meyer CEO and Co-Founder Veterans Community Project
“
This is the greatest support system I’ve ever had. Because you have someone rooting for you ... it’s way harder to give up on yourself. It’s like one of the safest places I’ve ever been in, too, so I have way less PTSD reactions here and just in general. Kendrick VCP Village Resident Longmont, Colorado
”
156 Number of Veterans who mitigated the threat of homelessness or other crisis with VCP case management and emergency assistance funds
$745
Average amount of emergency funds shared with a Veteran in crisis
1,995
News from the Front.
Number of visits to a VCP Outreach Center
There’s nothing better than receiving text messages from our Village alums!
3,110
We first met Kyle, a young USMC Veteran, in 2018. He was unemployed, separated from his wife and two small children, and living in his car. The Veteran’s goal: regain control of his mental health and reconnect with his family.
Food and hygiene kits distributed to Veterans and their families
1,143
New coats, boots, and other clothing distributed
23
Welcome
Number of Veterans welcomed into VCP Village
14
Number of Veterans who transitioned from VCP Village to their own permanent housing
With the support of his case manager and other Veterans in the Village, Kyle began to confront his untreated PTSD. Every small victory enabled him to reclaim a piece of himself and discover a new sense of strength and hope. Within a few months, Kyle’s family joined him in VCP Village and his wife embarked on her own journey of healing. The more she understood her husband’s trauma, the more she understood the role it played in her own mental well-being, as well as that of their children. Together, the couple charted a new path forward. Kyle completed a CDL training program and landed a job that provided financial security and stability. After building up their savings, the couple successfully transitioned into an apartment of their own. Now, almost 5 years later, Kyle has purchased his dream home and is children are thriving. Because of supporters like you, the trajectory of an entire family has been forever changed.
Q3-Q4 HIGHLIGHTS.
Not all kids who slept in tents this summer did it for fun. The Kansas City Village welcomed home a family of 4 just in time for the school year to begin.
Our new recruit! Sullivan, a gift from a South Dakota Air National Guard Chief Master Sgt, not only greets residents and volunteers, but keeps a watchful eye over the Village.
Thanks to our friends at GEHA, one of our Colorado case managers was able to treat Village residents to the Broncos vs Chiefs game at Mile High.
Tiny house construction continued throughout the fall in Longmont. Volunteers estimate it takes 825 hours to finish a tiny home from start to finish!
St. Louis served their first Veteran in the newly opened VCP Outreach Center. The Center quickly become a hub for critical support services.
St. Louis was featured in a special Veteran’s Day “Good Morning America” celebration with partners Wells Fargo.
The Kansas City team distributed over 250 turkeys and pallets of food during November’s “Commissary Day.”
After being chronically homeless for 18 years, this Army Veteran found a safe haven and his own Christmas tree in Kansas City.
All four cities participated in VCP’s Annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, illuminating their Villages in red, white, and blue.
“
National Partner Spotlight. Community isn’t just VCP’s middle name; it’s the fuel that drives our mission. National corporate partners allow us to expand services and connect Veterans with essential support services across one or more of our VCP Village sites.
One of the obstacles we face is sourcing tools so our volunteers can help us build.
Special thanks to the following partners for generously sharing resources, influence, and “boots on the ground,” to help welcome more Veterans home.
Milwaukee Tool stepped up with pallets of nailers, drills, battery packs, and other hand tools to help us work faster, safer, and more efficiently. We are proud to show off Milwaukee’s amazing products and our volunteers love using them. David Reiger VCP Construction & Operations Coordinator Sioux Falls, South Dakota
”
If you’d like to learn more about national partnership opportunities, please contact Liz Mueller at lmueller@vcp.org.
OUR MISSION Veterans housing Veterans, armed with the strength and support of the community
vcp.org
VCP National Headquarters 8900 Troost Ave Kansas City, MO 64131 (816) 599-6503