At Pennyroyal Veterans Center in Hopkinsville, Ky., 50 homeless veterans at a time have a place to live and the resources to rebuild their life. By providing the basic necessities, residents are able to focus on going the extra mile to improve their situation.
At the center, substance abuse and mental health treatments are available, as well as job skills training to help transition residents to independent living.
One vital thing residents need for the best chance at an interview or to make a good first impression when starting a new job? Clean clothes.
That’s why, when a washer and dryer in the communal laundry room started malfunctioning, volunteers from American Legion Auxiliary Kentucky Unit 74 stepped in to make sure that need was met. They applied for and received a Veteran Projects Fund grant totaling $943 from the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation and were able to raise the remaining costs to supply Pennyroyal Veterans Center with a brand new washer and dryer.
While the machines were being installed, Kentucky Unit 74 went the extra mile to spread the word about the center and all it does for veterans, as well as the ALA Foundation’s impact on the project. The project was featured in an article in their local newspaper and mentioned on their local radio station. Their efforts encouraged a local nonprofit to give another substantial gift to the center.
Rebecca Nellis, secretary of Kentucky Unit 74, was most proud when she saw the reaction of the residents and staff on the day of delivery.
“Sometimes, we just get off the path and need a little help,” said one veteran watching the delivery of the machines. “You make us feel like we are not forgotten.”
Support your local veterans in need by applying for a Veteran Projects Fund grant from the ALA Foundation, or by making a donation to support projects like this.
