Homeless Veteran Re-Empowerment Program launched in Ohio
VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System (VANEOHS) joined Sub Zero Mission (SZM) in a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 11 to unveil the launch of its Homeless Veteran Re-Empowerment Program here.
The initiative marks a step toward extending support to those who served in the nation’s military and now find themselves struggling with reintegration into civilian life.
Since its inception in 2009, SZM has provided extensive support to northeast Ohio’s homeless population, placing an emphasis on supporting Veterans throughout the year and during the area’s harsh and unpredictable winter months.
“Our mission is to serve those who have served us,” said James Hido, SZM’s director of marketing. “The Homeless Veteran Re-Empowerment Program is designed to provide support, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals for our Veterans while aiming to provide comprehensive support to help Veterans regain stability and successfully reintegrate into civilian life.”
SZM was created after a cold winter night in 2009 when founders Al Radditz, Del Bethel, both Veterans, and Shawn McLaughlin discovered a homeless Veteran living under a bridge while at the Leroy Veterans of Foreign Wars post.
Motivated to help, Radditz, Bethel and McLaughlin gathered their own personal warming items for them and recognized numerous homeless Veterans were in need. This led to the mission’s formation, followed by the creation of the Blue Coat Missionaries (BCM), a dedicated winter outreach team comprising of Veterans, first responders and qualified community volunteers. SZM also supports the Youngstown BCM and Columbus Mission Warmth.
SZM collaborates with VANEOHS by utilizing direct access to HUD-VASH, a program designed to pair housing assistance with VA case management and supportive services. This initiative aids homeless Veterans and their families in securing permanent housing, health care, mental health treatment, and other essential supports for improving their quality of life. In addition, SZM is partnering with VANEOHS Community Resource and Referral Centers in Cleveland and Akron, to provide additional VA services and resources to our homeless Veterans.
BCM/Mission Warmth continue to actively meet Veterans where they are – on the streets and in encampments. Both organizations distribute essential life supplies onsite while connecting Veterans with vital resources for assistance. SZM focuses on the organizational and administrative aspects of its mission, ensuring a streamlined process for Veterans in need.
For more information on SZM, visit Sub Zero Mission – Nobody should freeze to death in America