Services and Projects
Responding to Central Valley Veteran’s Emergency Needs on a Daily Basis
Our Veteran Outreach efforts involve acting as “first responders” to the emergency needs of Veterans, Active service members and their families. We respond to emergency housing needs, furniture and appliance needs, needs for food, clothing and toiletries and emergency/overdue utility bill payment needs. We have also purchased college books, repaired vehicles and provided funds for attending family funeral services. We provide unconditional support to our heroes in need, filling the gaps to which other veterans organizations are unable to support due to program restrictions. Our experience and relationships with the Veteran Community allow us to, after emergency concerns are resolved, direct Veterans and their families to services for long term solutions to their needs. Currently we are renting 3500 square feet of storage for furniture, beds, small and large appliances, clothing and personal hygiene items at a cost of $700/month. We have spent significant funds in obtaining donated and delivering items to Veterans and Active service members in need. In late 2012 we are able to purchase a trailer for picking up and delivering donations, allowing us to respond to needs in a more immediate fashion.
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We prioritize our efforts to provide for single mothers first, followed by single fathers, single women, couples and single men. Keeping families together and women and children off the streets is foremost in all efforts. Gaining permanent housing and keeping Veterans working are areas of focus. We have an application process that thoroughly reviews the requester’s finances, expenses, extenuating circumstances and whether our short term support will result in long term solutions. Most requests come with a letter of support from a VA Social Worker or a Veterans Advocate.
Our accomplishments have increased exponentially over the past three years, due to the unconditional support we have received from the community, corporations and foundations. We have an annual operating budget that provides over $86,000 in direct financial support to over 200 Veterans, Active Service Members and their families. |
Holiday Meal delivery to veterans
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Did you know? We have supported and act as the fiscal agent for the Family and Children Support personnel at our local California National Guard bases. We plan to continue this work as opportunities arise.
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Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and gifts Donated yearly We are committed to supporting families with food baskets and gifts during the holiday season. Applications from veterans and service member organizations for families in need are received prior to the holidays. Thanksgiving meals include turkey and all the trimmings plus staples such as milk, eggs and bread are provided to Veteran and Service Member families. Christmas meals include fresh ham, milk, eggs plus enough staples to support a family of 4 for a week. Gifts for children are provided through donations and a partnership with Toys for Tots. Parents select and wrap a gift for their children to enjoy on Christmas. |
2016 Establishing a Hospitality House for Veteran Families
The Hospitality House- Veteran and his son high five Bill Gonzalez
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In the past, there was no Hospitality House for providing temporary housing to families of the Fresno VA Hospital patients. Central Valley Veterans had long dreamed of purchasing a single or multi-family housing unit that would provide respite housing for families. This residence would also provide temporary emergency housing for families on the streets. We have also set up a food pantry at the house.
Our dream of a “Hospitality House” is now a reality with the purchase of a single family home located walking distance to the Fresno VA Hospital. |
Central Valley Veterans is an active participant in the State of California Employment Development Department’s Fresno County Veterans Employment Committee (VEC) including acting as the fiscal agent. Membership on the VEC is a commitment to addressing veterans’ employment and training opportunities and concerns. Monthly VEC meetings provide an opportunity to share and receive updated information on issues that affect employment of veterans. CVV acts as the fiscal agent for the VEC, which allows donations to VEC events to be deductible.