04/09/2024
Veteran and Homeless: Two words that should never go together
“No one who fights for this country should have to fight for a job, a roof over their heads, or the care that they need when they come home,” says decorated Army Combat Veteran Morgana Isenberg. And yet, studies have shown that up to one third of the adult male homeless population comprises Veterans. Meanwhile, about 1.5 million additional veterans are considered at-risk of homelessness due to poverty, lack of support networks, and dismal living conditions in overcrowded or substandard housing.
Though not a male, Isenberg speaks from personal experience. A Lead gun truck 50 Cal Gunner and Driver during Operation New Dawn, Isenberg has been one of the 40,000 U.S. veterans who experience homelessness on any given night. Now serving on the board of The Veterans’ Place in Northfield, Isenberg is doing something about it. On Friday, April 19, more than a dozen volunteers, including Isenberg, Air Force ROTC Cadets from Norwich University, and residents, board members, and staff from The Veterans’ Place will join in solidarity with unhoused veterans everywhere by participating in a “Sleep-Out for Homeless Veterans” encampment and fundraiser on The Common in downtown Northfield.
Participants will construct makeshift shelters using donated pallets, tarps, and cardboard boxes.
They will keep warm around a barrel fire. “We’re aiming for authenticity, to connect with the
community, to go beyond just words,” says AFROTC Commander Col. Mark Ciero, who will
spend the night with his airmen.
The encampment officially commences at 5pm with opening ceremonies, including the singing of The Star-Spangled Banner and other patriotic songs by former TVPI resident Greg Bassette. Informal talks by Isenberg and other combat Veterans with lived experience with homelessness will follow and include a Q&A session. The public is invited to take part in the opening ceremonies, engage with veterans, and learn about issues contributing to Veteran homelessness. There is no charge for admission; however, donations to The Veterans’ Place will be graciously accepted. After the public portion of the program concludes, and Taps is played, Sleep-Out participants will be served a simple supper of donated stew and bread before bedding down for the night.
Norwich University, the Town of Northfield, and American Legion Posts #63 and #1819 have come together to support the event with donations of a venue, money, materials, food, water, and toilet amenities. “This is a community-wide effort to raise awareness of the problem of Veteran Homelessness in this country as well as funds for The Veterans’ Place,” says TVPI Board President Diana Weggler. “We receive only partial funding from the VA. The rest we have to raise ourselves. Right now, we are in desperate need of a new van to transport residents to their medical appointments at the VA,” she adds. “Every dollar helps save Veteran lives.”
Persons wishing to join the effort may donate in person at the event, by mail, or online. To make a donation, visit https://vermontveteransplace.org/events, scan the QR code, or mail a check to TVPI, 220 Vine Street, Northfield VT 05663. Since 2009, the nonprofit has been provided hundreds of unhoused veterans with the environment, tools, and support services they need to transition to independent, sustainable, substance-free, and productive lives.
