Did You Know?
*Data below represents Welcome Home's 2023 measurable impact and outcomes.
434
total number of Veterans and family members enrolled and served through a combination of programs & services
36 Days
average number of days Veterans are enrolled in Permanent Housing Program before obtaining or sustaining independent, permanent housing
93%
percent of Veterans that positively obtain or sustain independent, permanent housing through our Permanent Housing Program
34,122
number of well-balanced meals served to Veterans and family members in Emergency & Transitional Shelter
127 Days
average number of days Veterans are enrolled in Emergency & Transitional Shelter before moving into independent, permanent housing
59%
percent of Veterans that positively move into independent, permanent housing from Emergency & Transitional Shelter
12,823
number of bed nights of care provided to literally homeless Veterans and their family members
Zero
number of Veterans we believe should be without a proper welcome home
No veteran Left Behind
On the battlefield there’s a code—no one left behind. Unfortunately, some service members have a difficult time transitioning back into civilian life, many carrying scars of combat—some physical, some mental.
Mary
An Army Veteran, was living in her car years after service to our country. She struggled with depression and health issues, which spiraled into substance abuse. She had lost hope.
Nick
A Marine Veteran & Purple Heart recipient faced constant danger while serving in Iraq. He came home and couldn’t escape the memories. He became isolated, alone, and without a safe place to call home.
Sam
A Navy Veteran, returned home consumed by confusion, anger, pain and sadness. He buckled under the stress and an alcohol addiction took over his life. He lost his family, his job, and his identity.
* Testimonial photos and names have been changed to protect the privacy of our Veterans.
With open arms, Welcome Home takes action to get homeless and at-risk Veterans back on their feet.
Focus Areas
Welcome Home is deeply committed to honoring Veterans and providing services that will help restore their lives. All support and services are customized to meet the needs and goals of each individual Veteran.
EMERGENCY & TRANSITIONAL SHELTER
- Homeless Veterans outreach and day services
- 30 single occupancy, and 2 double occupancy rooms for homeless Veterans (Men, Women, & Families): dining room, commercial kitchen, computer lab, lounge area, laundry & shower facilities, walking trail and garden area
- Shelter and Supportive Services: individualized goals; intensive case management; connection to VA benefits, healthcare and recovery services; and local support services
PERMANENT HOUSING
- Homeless Services for Veterans and their families: intensive case management, financial planning, and connection to VA benefits and services
- Housing Identification and Matching: Improves capacity for long-term housing, income, and personal stability
- Direct Financial Assistance: for upfront housing expenses like move-in deposits, security and utility deposits, household essentials and supplies
- Other supportive services, which may include: transportation assistance, landlord/tenant mediation, and budgeting
VETS WORK
Provides job readiness training, including resume and interview prep
Maintains support network with area employers to connect Veterans with meaningful employment
Secures training opportunities and job placement assistance
Provides long-term support to help maintain employment
"It started out as a mission to take care of our fellow Veterans retruning home and to this day we are committed to giving every Veteran a deserved 'welcome home.' "
-R.C. Higgins, Co-Founder and Vietnam Veteran
A Community For Veterans
All it took to motivate a Columbia group of Vietnam Veterans to action was for one of their brothers-in-arms to die alone on the streets. They refused to accept Veteran homelessness, invested their own money, opened a shelter, and Welcome Home was born. They didn’t accept Veteran homelessness then. We cannot accept it today.
Since 1992, Welcome Home has passionately continued to serve those who signed that dotted line to protect our freedoms.
Inspired by the service and sacrifice of our founders, along with generous partners and fellow patriots throughout the community, we will forever do what it takes to make sure we’re honoring Veterans and restoring lives.
