CityView Magazine

20 | May/June 2018 In the United States there are an estimated 39,471 veterans who are homeless, many due to substance abuse or health problems which can be traced back to their service to their country. Homelessness is always tragic but Walker feels particularly indebted to those who have served. "I think it makes sense for Fayetteville because we have Fort Bragg and we have more female veterans now than any time in history," Walker said. "Some of them need time to get on their feet if they have fallen on hard times. We provide a stepping stone for them. We can help them get back to work, make sure their kids get to school, so they don't have to worry about being homeless again, or worry about returning to a home of domestic violence. ere are some scary situations. ere are not a lot of programs like that in the area. It is a nice addition for the community." e house features handicapped-accessible entrances and bathrooms, a communal kitchen and living room, a play area, a garden with an outdoor glass greenhouse and private bedrooms for each family. Keeping a roof over their heads is not the only thing these families need to get their lives back on track, which is why Endeavors also provides case management, mental health counseling, parenting education and coaching for job hunting and self-sufficiency. Maintaining a transitional home like this one is costly in terms of time and money, but Walker said she feels it is essential given the lack of other options for these families. "What we see with our clients is, we are seeing large families, and a lot of shelters just cannot accommodate that," she said. "All of the basic needs are provided, but as soon as they get in we help make sure they are connected with the community, make sure they have medical insurance, and food stamps, and if they don't or they are waiting, we provide food." Aer the two years are up, Walker said the families will be reevaluated to see if they are ready to leave the home. Endeavors wants to be certain that no one is leaving this home and falling back into homelessness. "e entire time they are with us, we work with families to help them have a plan," Walker said. As Endeavors is a nonprofit, they are always in need of donations. Financial donations can be made by going to their website at www. familyendeavors.org. Currently, Walker says, the biggest need is new linens and comforters. "Especially for kids," Walker said. "We want to give them blankets with kid-friendly designs, not just solid colors like adult blankets." It's the little things that can make the biggest difference. Reveille Retreat gives women veterans who have fallen on hard times, either due to joblessness, escaping domestic violence, or many other reasons, a place where they can get their lives back on track. VIEW MORE PHOTOS Go to www.Reveel.it and scan this page

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