On Thursday, August 23, MFRI partnered with the City of Lafayette, the Indiana Veterans' Home and several veterans’ organizations to host the first Homeless Veterans Summit. The gathering resulted in important discussion, but even better, generated real results.
The meeting brought together Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski and State Representative Shiela Klinker, along with more than 50 other members of the community including homeless or formerly homeless veterans, and representatives from the VA, social services, veterans’ organizations, clergy and many others who dedicated their time on this important issue.
As a result of the event, critical connections were made and plans set into motion that hold great promise for solutions to address the situation that challenges many veterans who are homeless or at-risk of being homeless in our community. Plans include:
• The formation of a committee that will assess the needs, resources and potential solutions identified at the summit, and create a 5-year plan to organize and prioritize a response.
• Several organizations, including the United Way, Mary T. Klinker Vet Center, Lafayette Traditional Housing, the City of Lafayette and MFRI will meet with the HVAF of Indiana to coordinate the submission of a grant proposal to the VA for housing needs.
The Summit also made a positive difference on the spot for one homeless veteran, who is currently in the shelter plus care program in Lafayette. The VA homeless vet coordinator was able to provide immediate assistance.
The event was covered by local media including WLFI television, WBAA radio and the Lafayette Journal and Courier. Many participants felt that the event energized them to do even more to improve the situations of homeless veterans in our community.
“Yesterday's summit was outstanding and I'm starting to get a better feeling about our issues and how to present from a fund raising standpoint. I plan to go down to Indy …to learn more about what they are doing to assist veterans and homeless, “ said one attendee.