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VVAF Report

KNMF & VVAF: 14 Years of Successful Partnership Helping the Nation’s Largest Homeless Veteran Population

BY RANDY BARNES, PRESIDENT, VIETNAM VETERANS ASSISTANCE FUND

Aiding 8,682 homeless in 2005 and a total of more than 68,020 since 1991, The Kenny Nickelson Memorial Foundation for Homeless Veterans and Children addresses the needs of Los Angeles’ homeless veterans, formerly homeless veterans, and needy children. VVAF and VVA Chapters 53 and 446 have been key partners with KNMF since it incorporated in 1992. VVA has provided funds for KNMF to conduct Stand Downs, Job and College/Trade School Fairs, and Personal Care Days, and purchased education materials, school supplies, toys, games, bikes, and other items for needy people in L.A.

Stand Downs for homeless veterans and Personal Care Days for formerly homeless veterans provide basic essentials, including new clothing, shoes, linens, household supplies and décor, hygiene supplies, blankets, some appliances, sports equipment, back-to-school supplies, and toys for veterans’ children.

KNMF Stand Downs provide links to transitional housing, medical, legal, government, job training, and employment providers. The one-stop-shop approach offers services and care items, and brings together students from all levels, private and government workers, and veteran volunteers from throughout the county to help solve one of the area’s biggest problems— homelessness. KNMF believes that partnering is the key to its success.

KNMF expressed its gratitude to VVAF’s Board and members and selected VVAF as Outstanding Veteran Donor of the Decade. KNMF and VVAF believe that people can make the changes necessary to solve veterans’ problems and improve their lives in our communities. Go to www.knmf.org to find out how you can participate.