Rutland Lodge presented their 6th welcome home kit in 10 months and 3rd for the fiscal year to Sean, an Army veteran who recently transitioned into an apartment!   The Lodge is honored to work with Paul O’Brien, LICSW, HUD VASH Social Worker, Health Care for Homeless Veterans, Department of Veterans Affairs in providing the kits.   Sean received a TV, bookcase, nightstand, lamp and miscellaneous supplies for his new place.

Brattleboro Lodge #1499’s Chase Stanley of ChasingZERO was honored at the “Salute to Service” ceremony that honors First responders and local veterans before the Brattleboro football game on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. The event recognized military members, veterans, and first responders for their service to the country and community.  Chase was awarded his own Brattleboro Union High School Bears Football Jersey, with the #56 his former Police Officer’s number, as a thank you for all the work he has done with the High School youth to promote Mental Health and resilience.

News item submitted by Jil MacMenamin.

On August 8th, Rutland Lodge delivered their 5th Welcome Home Kit.  Eric and Lindsey who had been homeless almost 3 years were very appreciative of the supplies for their apartment.   Our Dues/ENF contributions at work for Veterans!

Janet, Eric, Lindsey and ER Barb.

News item submitted by Barb Watters.

Rutland Elks Lodge hosted a Spaghetti Dinner benefitting the Rutland County WWII Memorial.  Under the direction of Loyal Knight Ryan Morse. The Lodge donated almost $1200 to the fund.  Accepting the check is committee member and Rutland Elk  Mickey Young from Ryan.

News item submitted by Barb Watters.

ER Barb Watters delivers a Welcome Home Kit to a local Veteran.  Our thanks to Paul O’Brien, ICSW ,HUD VASH Social Worker Health Care for Homeless Veterans Department of Veterans Affairs for partnering with the Elks.

News item submitted by Barb Watters.

Springfield Elks Donates to Veterans

News item submitted by Jackie Driscoll.

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.