Yellow Ribbon Veteran's Endowment
SUPPORTING HOMELESS AND NEEDY VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Across the United States, veterans are overrepresented in numbers among the population of homeless individuals; in 2009, approximately 12 percent of all people experiencing homelessness identified as a veteran. This is a significant amount when one considers that less than 8 percent of the total U.S. population has veteran status.
Community Outreach, Inc. (COI) has been providing for the basic human needs of the mid-Willamette Valley’s homeless and working poor since 1971. In 2010, COI provided emergency shelter to 34 homeless veterans, 19 of whom went on to enter their Transitional Housing program. These veterans received personal, one-on-one case management services where COI assisted them in finding permanent housing options and provided access to additional resources to assist them in gaining the skills necessary for long-term self-sufficiency. Through COI’s state-certified behavioral health treatment programs, veterans began or continued to address substance abuse and mental health issues that may be contributing to chronic homelessness situations, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Homeless veterans also have access to basic medical and dental care through COI’s medical clinics for the uninsured; services provided through these clinics include basic acute care, chiropractic services, dental services, physical therapy services, psychiatric services, diabetes education, and gynecology services. Additionally, COI’s food pantries and community kitchen and shower are available to individuals in our community in need of basic services who do not otherwise have access to food and hygiene, which includes homeless veterans. Due to the nature of the population served through the Homeless Emergency Services program in particular, it is very difficult to provide an accurate count of veterans accessing COI’s community kitchen and shower. However, it is safe to estimate that a good portion of the individuals using this service are veterans experiencing both chronic and temporary homelessness.
The Yellow Ribbon Veteran’s Endowment has been created specifically to help those veterans and their families who receive services at and through Community Outreach. This endowed fund was established to provide an annual distribution to Community Outreach, Inc.
These veterans gave their service and now they need our help. Your donation to this endowment helps Community Outreach, Inc. provide the much needed assistance and treatment for these veterans.
Created by LTC Mike Rainbolt, USA, Retired and Capt Ray Siuta, USN, Retired and support from many others.
Donations may be made by check
Payable to: Benton County Foundation
Memo line: Yellow Ribbon Veteran’s Endowment
Send to: P.O. Box 911, Corvallis, OR 97339
Community Outreach, Inc.
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