Check out PhillyVetsHome Partners (the Veterans Multi-Service Center and Pathways to Housing PA) featured in the latest issue of the U.S. Housing and Urban Development HUDLine News…
Richard Ott, Deputy Regional Administrator
(215) 656-0600, hud.gov/pennsylvania
Associate Editor: Niki Edwards, niki.v.edwards@hud.gov

Last month, HUD’s Philadelphia Regional Office supported the Federal Executive Board’s Homeless to Housed Drive, filling its conference room with employee donations for three Philadelphia nonprofit organizations. Household items, ranging from comforters to towels, were collected for veterans and other individuals experiencing homelessness. “The donated goods will be used to create welcome baskets to help these people get started and encourage them to stay in their new home,” said Federal Executive Board Executive Director Lisa Makosewski in her memo to federal agencies, requesting support for the drive. “The needed items are things that many of us take for granted, but for someone who is moving into a home with nothing to bring from their previous address, the basics can turn a house into a home.” The FEB’s primary mission involves the coordination and support of intergovernmental and community activities in the Delaware Valley, bridging the gap of communication and collaboration for more than 170 federal entities. This is the second year it has sponsored the drive.

Donations were given to the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC), Pathways to Housing PA and The Dreuding Center. Since 1980, the VMC has been serving those who have served. According to VMC Director of Development Debby Derricks, HUD’s donations will help 75 veterans and families make their houses into homes. She said over the last year the nonprofit has been busy fulfilling its mission. “We have provided housing for over 500 veterans and their families, placed 300 veterans in jobs and served approximately 175,000 meals.” said Derricks. A recipient of their assistance is Navy veteran Albert Ayers, who signed a lease for an apartment in April. Upon moving into his new home, he was presented with a welcome basket. Now, his goal is to find employment to increase his income and stabilize his housing. Above left, Warren Davis with the Veterans Multi-Service Center picks up HUD’s donations from Ben Houck and Joe Nicodemo. At right, Navy veteran Albert Ayers poses for a photo in his new home