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WHAT WE DO

We Support Our Vets

  • Affordable housing for up to 40 residents with community of men striving for self-sufficiency 

  • Free transportation to job interviews and medical appointments, provided by local church 

  • Free career counseling, interview coaching, and resume workshops conducted by WHAV staff

WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO

Over 40,000 Veterans Are Homeless On Any Given Night

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

In addition to the complex set of factors influencing all homelessness – extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care – a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. Additionally, military occupations and training are not always transferable to the civilian workforce, placing some veterans at a disadvantage when competing for employment.

 

A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol.

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*National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
 

OUR PURPOSE
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KELVIN WALTER, SR.

Vietnam Veteran & Founder of Welcome Home American Veterans, Inc.

Sergeant Kelvin Walter Sr. was a Master Electrician in the United States Airforce. He served in the Republic of Vietnam from 1971 to 1972. He was stationed at Benoir Airforce Base, where he worked on Military  aircraft. Benoir was known for "The great spill" of agent orange. Sergeant Walter was unknowingly adversely affected due to the exposure of agent orange. That horrific incident had an damaging impact on his health for the rest of his life.  

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He suffered from several health related issues, including diabetes, kidney failure and ultimately pancreatic cancer which claimed his life. Sergeant Walter lost his quality of life from a very early age after returning home from Vietnam. He spent countless hours being hospitalized and treated at VA hospitals. Sergeant Walter always felt that it would have been much better to have been in a less clinical environment to receive treatment. As a 100% disabled veteran, he knew the feeling of anguish, depression and the frustration of not being able to adjust back to civilian life. He, like so many others, suffered from PTSD. In March of 2013, he decided to dedicate his life to helping other disabled veterans. His dream was to open a veterans home. He wanted to call it "Welcome Home American Veterans". Those were the first words said to him when he arrived back in the United States from Vietnam.

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Sadly, Sergeant Walter was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer just six months later. His mission was to provide a veterans home to help veterans resume some semblance of life the way they knew it even before their tour of duty. His vision continues today in his absence. It serves as his legacy to honor, respect and protect all service members who so proudly served their country.

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KELVIN WALTER, JR.

Pastor, Co-founder & Executive Director of Welcome Home American Veterans, Inc. 

As the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran, I recognize the never ending need for military housing. As a civilian, I couldn't imagine what going to war is like. I however, saw first hand the collateral damage and toll that it takes on a veteran and their families. My father served a twelve month tour in Vietnam. That single year adversely affected the rest of his life. By his own admission, my father was never the same post Vietnam. I believe an emotional part of a person dies during war regardless if they physically survive. It took many years of treatment and counseling for my father to understand the physical, emotional and psychological damage incurred during his military career. My father spent years trying to repair the broken pieces in his life. He was declared a %100 disabled veteran by the veterans administration.

 

It took many years for my father to finally receive the benefits that he needed and deserved. He was very concerned about veterans who were not taken care of. In the spring of 2013, my father made a pledge and commitment to help veterans who have been overlooked and forgotten. He decided to use his home to provide housing for veterans. The name of his vision was called "Welcome Home American Veterans ". Unfortunately, my father was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was given six months to live and passed away after four. I now proudly stand as his ambassador to carry on his legacy and fulfill his dream. I hope to positively affect the lives of veterans and the community at large. Please join me in my quest to honor and pay back those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the many freedoms we enjoy today. 

Testimonials

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