RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - They fought for our country and put their lives on the line, now some Virginia veterans are living on the streets. According to the Department Veterans Affairs, there are 175 homeless veterans living on the streets in the Richmond area on any given night.
One local nonprofit organization is working to tackle that issue.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond is now creating a home for our heroes. The group is rehabbing a home in Church Hill for homeless veterans.
Volunteers from Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University students and some local veterans are pitching in to renovate the home.
The home, located on N. 22nd St., was donated to the nonprofit organization from Wells Fargo Bank. Right now organizers say they have plenty of volunteers but are in need of more donated materials.
The group is also looking to reach out to the V-A to get connected with vets who need a place to stay. Executive Director Christie Smith says to know that these men who served our country are now homeless on the streets is upsetting and unacceptable.
That is why her organization is reaching out to help veterans. Smith says their goal is to have the home renovated by affordable housing awareness week at the end of April.
Once the home is ready to be lived in, veterans who relocate there will also be offered services.
Smith says this will give the vets an opportunity to begin their lives again.
If you are interested in helping renovate this home or are interested in donating materials, contact Christie Smith. Neighborhood Housing Services of Richmond is located on Chamberlayne Avenue.
Smith can be reached at 804-921-0976.
