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WHY COVO WAS ESTABLISHED
We believe that NO Veteran should be left behind.
Who are homeless veterans?
The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) says homeless veterans are mostly
male (2 percent are women). The vast majority are not married and come from
poor, disadvantaged communities; 45 percent suffer from mental illness and
one-half have substance abuse problems. America's homeless veterans have served
in World War II, Korea, Cold War, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, Lebanon, Desert
Storm, the military's anti-drug cultivation efforts in South America, and during
peacetime.
How many homeless veterans are there?
Although accurate numbers are impossible to come by as there are no national
records on homeless veterans, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
estimates that more than 275,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and,
more than 500,000 experience homelessness over the course of a year.
Conservatively, one out of every four adult homeless males who is sleeping in a
doorway, alley, or box in our cities and rural communities has put on a uniform
and served our country. In Central Oregon we have counted over 300 homeless
veterans and estimate the correct number in the thousands.
Why are veterans homeless?
In addition to the complex set of factors affecting the entire homeless
population … job layoffs, substance abuse, an extreme shortage of affordable
housing and lack of access to health care . . . a large number of displaced and
at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of combat-related post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD). These hardships, often compounded by a loss of family
and social support networks, make the issue of homelessness a difficult social
challenge. Homeless shelters throughout the US are housing Iraq and
Afghanistan war veterans.
What can be done?
COVO operates the only transitional housing facility for veterans in Oregon and the only agency that deals with homeless veterans East of the Cascade Mountains. There is no emergency shelter for veterans East of the Cascades.
Our long range plan is to build an Outreach center which will hold the offices of all the agencies in Central Oregon that deal with veterans issues.
COVO will be at the forefront of transitional housing services for Veterans Central and Eastern Oregon.
The "Home of the Brave" will be the model program for community- based transitional housing service for Veterans in Oregon.
COVO will continue to grow and develop 30% every two years though community–based, corporate, foundation, and government funding.
COVO will be a model of fiscal responsibility and stewardship.
COVO will strive to develop and provide unique and innovative services to those we serve.
COVO will strive to be excellent community members in the communities in Central and Eastern Oregon
OUR GOALS
1) Establish an office where veterans can come for assistance with problems they might face. The resources of COVO would be used to help the vets to get VA disability, Social Security, Changes to Discharge records, finding housing, getting assistance for drug and alcohol rehabilitation.
2) Develop outreach to the homeless veterans living in camps in the community. Provide food, assistance, blankets, tents and other help.
3) Establish transition and emergency housing for veterans
4) Establish a veterans outreach center which would provide all of the above.
COVO assists veterans living in camps in Central Oregon
COVO Our Donors Volunteer Board of Directors Home of the Brave Contact Us Donate High Desert Thunder