Our nation set a goal to end veteran homelessness in 2010. That same year, St. Michael’s Veterans Center (SMVC) founders began imagining a permanent
- Housed 235 veterans — 97% of whom have remained permanently housed
- Veterans have given back more than 14,000 hours in community service
- Provided 29,120 hours of professional social services to support veterans’ housing stability and wellness
- Provided transportation for more than 2,000 trips to the grocery store and to appointments
- Served thousands of cups of coffee
We have built a vibrant community all because of you, our supporters. Because of your support, we have given our veterans and their families an opportunity to not only live with dignity, but build a community that supports each other and cultivates a give-back culture. Because of you, we’ve expanded our staff and hired a peer support specialist who provides direct services to our residents to help them overcome challenges and thrive. And soon, we’re breaking ground on our third phase of housing that will allow us to house 62 new veterans (more details coming soon).
Bob said he felt “rescued” when he spent his first night at SMVC nearly 10 years ago. It is a sentiment shared by many of our residents: thankfulness to have a safe community to call home.
“God sent me to SMVC. I was struggling to maintain myself before. I had already been through life and death, but to finally be in a place where I was surrounded by other veterans, some of whom were struggling, I just had a lot to reflect on and be thankful for,” Bob said. “I’ll never forget how it felt to have a brand-new apartment, in a new building with a new bed and dishes and blankets. I am so thankful.”
Thank you for being part of our SMVC community. We truly couldn’t do this without you. And, if you run across Bob on campus, make sure to ask him about his Harry Truman connection!
Please Help With The SMVC Facebook Fundraising Challenge!
We are asking you to use the power of your social media to help fundraise for us. Please copy the text below and place it on your Facebook page. Thanks!
I’m asking my friends and family to support a cause that is important to me. SMVC not only provides permanent, affordable housing to homeless veterans in Kansas City, but they also provide important services like mental health support, addiction treatment, job support, and assistance navigating the complexity of the VA. My goal is to raise $300 for SMVC in honor of Veterans Day this year. I hope you’ll join me in making a donation.