OPERATION WOUNDED WARRIORS, INC.

OUR 7 PROGRAMS     

OPERATION: HOMEWARD BOUND  

MISSION DETAILS

Since 2014, our organization has helped hundreds of Veterans and their families through a wide array of programs.  We now realize that our organization must take on a new, extremely important mission: to provide housing for ALL homeless Veterans in America. This is a growing, out of control problem that quite frankly has become a national crisis - and a disgrace.  Our 501(c)(3) organization is extremely proud of the fact that we have a ZERO Complaint History. It is for this reason we are extremely confident that we can successfully accomplish this mission. According to the latest statistics, 10.6% of the nation’s homeless population are veterans. All of America should be outraged that there are so many homeless veterans!

In 2019 there were 67,495* homeless Veterans in the United States. These are men and women. Many have children. Some are very young. Some are middle aged. Some are elderly. Here are a few statistics about this growing crisis.

• 89% received an Honorable Discharge.
• 67% served 3 years or more.
• 47% are Vietnam Veterans.
• 15% served before Vietnam.
• 5.5% are Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

Unfortunately, these numbers could rise drastically at any time because more than 968,000 have been living in poverty during the last year. 76% of homeless Veterans experience alcohol, drug, or mental health issues, mainly PTSD. 30.2% of Veterans ages 18-24 are unemployed. Studies have shown that Veterans are 2 times as likely as other Americans to become chronically homeless. These Veterans may be only one major car repair bill, some type of financial crisis or medical emergency away from becoming homeless.

The Pew Research Center surveyed 1,853 Veterans for a report seeking to identify the probabilities of positive re-entry into civilian life. The report was titled “The Difficult Transition from Military to Civilian Life” and found that “Veterans who say they had an emotionally traumatic experience while serving or had suffered a serious service-related injury were more likely to report problems with re-entry.” The probability that a Veteran will have an easy time re-entering society drops to 56% for those who reported experiencing a traumatic event.

Without a permanent place to stay these Veterans are not able to prepare themselves for a job interview or be expected to get their life in order. This is not rocket science. Housing will help them in their effort to become employed and to become a contributing member of society once again. 

Is it too much to ask that all Veterans have a roof over their head? America owes them that much. Many of these Veterans had no choice because they were drafted. Since 9/11 they ALL volunteered, many of them went to war to protect ALL Americans and to give us the freedom that we enjoy today. So many of us take this for granted. Most Americans recognize our Veterans on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Veteran’s Day. It is time for Americans to honor them 365 days a year! As they say…...Freedom is not free. Without these Veterans we would not be where we are today as a country or as a society. The United States is the richest, most generous, and caring country in the world. We spend billions of dollars every year providing aid to many countries and their people. Americans do not hesitate when it comes to donating their money to help people when there is a disastrous earthquake, flood, hurricane, or other natural disasters all over the world.  Is it not time to take care of our homeless veterans here at home?  Veterans have sacrificed so much for all of us. It is time for all Americans to have their back. Our Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen live by a creed: to leave no one behind. Isn’t it time that the American people pledge to leave no Veteran behind when it comes to providing them with a place to live? It is not only the right thing to do; it is the ONLY thing to do. America is, and always will be, the home of the brave. America cannot continue to allow these brave, dedicated Veterans to be homeless!

Many fine Veteran’s organizations have helped homeless Veterans and we commend all of them for their tremendous efforts. But quite frankly, most of these efforts have only been a band-aid, a temporary fix. The time has come to tackle Veteran homelessness on a larger scale so that it can be eliminated once and for all. Operation Wounded Warriors has a comprehensive plan to do just that. This will be accomplished by utilizing an organized, systematic and methodical approach to end Veteran’s homelessness. We call it Operation: Homeward Bound. Our organization will accomplish this goal with the help of our fellow Americans, and it is our honor to accept this challenging mission. We pledge to work tirelessly until every Veteran who wants a roof over their head has been accommodated.

Success of our plan will depend on a commitment from all sectors: large corporations, small businesses and individuals. Everyone must step up to the plate and do their part if we are to eliminate this problem once and for all. It is the right thing to do!

Our sponsors will come from the following types of companies and organizations:

• Defense Contractors
• Home Builders, Building Contractors, Apartment Complex Developers & Management Companies
• Automobile Manufacturers
• Health Care Providers
• Insurance Providers (Medical, Auto, Home, Business)
• Major U.S. Airlines
• Major Hotel Chains
• Restaurant Chains
• Beer and Liquor Companies
• Building Supply Companies (Ace Hardware, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Sherwin-Williams, etc.)
• Real Estate Companies
• Professional Sports (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL)
• Musicians, Singers, Actors and other entertainers
• Financial Institutions (Banks, Mortgage Companies, Financial Planners)
• Utility Companies (Gas, Electric, Water, Cable, Cell Phone Service Providers, etc.)

Our organization will tailor a program for each one of these categories to achieve maximum donation potential. We will create a competition between these categories involving their management and employees. Our website and social media accounts will publicize their donations, so the American public is informed as to their extent of their participation.

SHORT-TERM GOAL

Our short-term goal is to get as many homeless Veterans off the streets, processed and into temporary housing. We would provide them with complete physicals and mental health evaluations with the assistance of the VA hospitals and Clinics.

LONG-TERM GOAL

Our long-term goal is to house as many homeless Veterans as possible on current military bases around the country. The Veterans would be responsible for maintaining their area of the base and other small jobs in exchange for access to living quarters, mess hall, on-site medical facilities, job fairs and periodic entertainment. We would call these bases Joint Base America Cares (JBAC).

We are considering building "tiny" home communities / villages. The building of Dormitory type housing is also being considered at this time. Another option is the purchase and refurbishment small apartment complexes.

*  Sources: The Military Wallet; University of Southern California’s Masters in                                                      Military Social Work Program; Pew Research Center

OPERATION: MOBILITY  

This is our medical equipment program. We will provide Power / Tank Chairs and other equipment that is not readily available for our Wounded Warriors. Mobility means Independence, Freedom and Self-Reliance. All of this together… provides Self-Esteem to our wonderful Wounded Warriors.

OPERATION: BILL PAY 

This program assists Veterans with their utility bills, phone bills, rent and mortgage payments. We also have a vehicle fuel program and a vehicle repair program to help ease their financial burdens during these difficult economic times.   

OPERATION: BEST FRIEND 

Sponsored, in part, by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and selected Rescue Shelters throughout the United States. We will find a great home for the dogs and a wonderful companion for our Wounded Warriors. Dogs need loving owners and our Wounded Warriors need their companionship and loyalty.  Breeders are also encouraged to donate one of their dogs to our Wounded Warriors. NOTE: These are not registered service dogs.

OPERATION: SWIM WITH THE DOLPHINS OPER

Operation Wounded Warriors will provide an opportunity for our Wounded Warriors to swim with dolphins in the Florida Keys. This program has proven to be great therapy, both mentally and physically, for those who interact with these magnificent creatures.  Swimming with the dolphins is an extraordinary experience of a lifetime that will never be forgotten by our Wounded Warriors and their families.

OPERATION: WELCOME ABOARD

These are Cruising and Fishing trips for our Wounded Warriors and their families in selected areas of the country.  Boat Owners / Captains in our network volunteer their time and vessel in order for our wounded Veterans to enjoy all that boating has to offer. 

OPERATION: VETERANS ASSISTANCE

From time to time we will also make donations to selected third party Veterans Programs and charities we consider to be most beneficial to our Wounded Warriors.

 ** OUR PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE **