Did You Know?
*Data below represents Welcome Home's 2024 measurable impact and outcomes.
500
total number of Veterans and family members served through Welcome Home wrap-around programs and supportive services
40 Days
number of days Veterans are enrolled in Permanent Housing Program before obtaining or sustaining independent, permanent housing
92%
of Veterans positively obtain or sustain independent, permanent housing through our Permanent Housing Program
51,978
number of well-balanced meals served to Veterans and family members experiencing homelessness
125 Days
number of days Veterans are enrolled in Emergency & Transitional Shelter before moving into independent, permanent housing
71%
of Veterans positively move into independent, permanent housing from Emergency & Transitional Shelter
17,236
shelter bed nights provided to Veterans and family members experiencing homelessness
Zero
number of Veterans we believe should be without access to housing and a proper 'welcome home'
No veteran Left Behind
On the battlefield there’s a code – no one left behind. Unfortunately, some service members have a difficult time transitioning back into civilian life, many carrying scars of combat some physical, some mental – many battling other life-altering challenges, including shortages in affordable housing, employment stability, substance use, transportation, lack of family and support networks, and other complex factors.
Mary
an Army Veteran, she was living in her car with her service dog years after service to our country. She struggled with depression and health issues, which spiraled into substance abuse. She had lost hope. With support and advocacy from Welcome Home, Mary and her furry best friend were provided shelter, transportation, and wrap-around supportive services. Within months, Mary was hired for the job of her dreams and was able to move into her new home.
Josh
a Marine Veteran & Purple Heart recipient faced constant danger while serving in Iraq. He came home and couldn't escape the memories. He became isolated, struggled with debilitating mental health, and lost everything, including his home. After a few short months working with his case manager at Welcome Home, Josh stabilized, obtained permanent housing, and was offered a meaningful job at a local hospital.
* Testimonial photos and names have been changed to protect the privacy of our Veterans.
More than a shelter, Welcome Home takes action to get homeless and at-risk Veterans back on their feet. No Veteran left behind.
Focus Areas
Welcome Home is deeply committed to honoring Veterans and providing nationally accredited
services that will help restore their lives. All support and wrap-around services are customized
to meet the needs and goals of each individual Veteran.
EMERGENCY & TRANSITIONAL SHELTER
- Homeless outreach and services
empowering Veterans to get back on their feet
and improve their overall quality of life - 32 private rooms for homeless Veterans
(men, women, & families): dining/community
room, commercial kitchen, computer lab,
lounge area, laundry and shower facilities,
walking trail and garden area - Wrap-around supportive services:
individualized, intensive case management; connection to VA benefits, transportation, healthcare, recovery, and legal assistance - Employment assistance, including resume
and interview prep, job placement assistance, and training opportunities
PERMANENT HOUSING
- Permanent and rapid rehousing for
Veterans and their families: intensive case
management, financial planning, connection
to VA benefits and services - Financial assistance for upfront housing
expenses like rent, move-in deposits, security
and utility deposits, household essentials and
supplies - Affordable housing identification and
advocacy: landlord mediation, transportation,
improve capacity for long-term housing,
income, and personal stability - Homelessness prevention and diversion
assistance, including outreach to rural
communities
"It started out as a mission to take care of our fellow Veterans retruning home and to this day we are committed to giving every Veteran a deserved 'welcome home.' "
-R.C. Higgins, Co-Founder and Vietnam Veteran
A Community For Veterans
All it took to motivate a Columbia group of Vietnam Veterans to action was for one of their brothers-in-arms to die alone on the streets. They refused to accept Veteran homelessness, invested their own money, opened a shelter, and Welcome Home was born. They didn’t accept Veteran homelessness then. We cannot accept it today.
Since 1992, Welcome Home has passionately continued to serve those who signed that dotted line to protect our freedoms.
Inspired by the service and sacrifice of our founders, along with generous partners and fellow patriots throughout the community, we will forever do what it takes to make sure we’re honoring Veterans and restoring lives.
