Rutland Elks received a request on March 3 for a Welcome Home Kit for a Veteran who was able to move into an Apartment on March 1st.  The Kit was completed and delivered on March 10th  to 

Paul O’Brien, LICSW

HUD VASH Social Worker

Health Care for Homeless Veterans

Department of Veterans Affairs

Respecting the veterans privacy, Paul picked up the items and delivered them to the Veteran.  Items included a crock pot, air fryer, toiletries, pillows, towels, cleaning supplies and more.

If your lodge is NOT taking advantage of this program, I encourage you to reach out to Renee Hotaling, VEA Veterans’ Chair.  It’s Super Simple, once you make the connection in your community with a Veterans’ organization assisting in helping homeless veterans.

Pictured are Barb and Paul.

News item submitted by Barb Wallace

Rutland Elks Lodge presented Veteran Andrew a WELCOME HOME KIT on February 17th. Among the items were bedding, Air Fryer, Microwave, Rug, curtains, towels, and a plethora of household essentials. Our thanks to Paul from HUD VASH Social Worker, Health Care for Homeless Veterans, Dept of Veterans Affairs for reaching out to our Lodge and for his assistance in helping Andrew with housing.
Welcome Home Kits are funded by the Elks National Veterans Service Commission

Our first kit was presented right before Christmas, with this being Rutland Lodge 345’s 2nd Welcome Home Kit. We look forward to assisting other veterans moving into housing.