In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Acts 20:35
The Veteran's Restoration Quarters and Transitional Housingis quite blessed to have a 150 room facility.
Through the kindness and generosity of many
within our community, this facility was purchased
in November, 2007 and opened in December.
This happened in response to a clear need
and with strong community support.
The Facility, Simply the Best
- Located on the Swannanoa River 1329 Tunnel Road Asheville, NC 28805
- 7 Acres includes Picnic Area, Childrens
Playground, Barbecue Area,
- Fishing, and Horseshoes
- Fireplace and comfortable seating
area
with rocking chairs
At The Veteran's Restoration Quartersand Transitional Housing we are able to provide
the care we think our veterns deserve.
The concept of The Veteran's Restoration Quartersand Transitional Housing is to provide
a home-like environment where the interdisciplinary
team can address challenging issues that
cannot be managed in another setting. Residents
return to their community after a brief stay
at The Vet's Place.
The Veteran's Restoration Quarters and Transitional Housing is unquestionably home-like
in its design and warmth and caring flows
from the ABCCM staff and volunteers to all
who visit.
Ministry Story:
Recently I approached one of the veterans residing at the new motel property to see how he was doing. He was standing outside his room near the end of the property and was staring out towards the woods nearby.
As I walked up to him, he turned toward me and I could tell he had been deep in thought and his eyes had watered some. I asked how he was doing. He said, “Michael, I can remember being homeless and having to live in those very woods not so long ago. And today I am here living in this beautiful facility and in this nice room. Wow … I am so thankful.”
The contrast was stark and impacting. We serve an awesome God!
This transitional housing service provides three components to address the needs of our veterans from a holistic point of view. We utilize a wellness model that includes: financial wellness, housing wellness, medical wellness, mental health wellness, self-determination wellness, spiritual wellness, and substance abuse wellness.
First, we have 148 beds for veterans in our VA Per Diem program. Working with the VA Medical Center Homeless Coordinator, we participate in Stand Downs and host annual Challeng as part of a coordinated effort to consistently reach out to homeless veterans. We help the veteran connect appropriately with V.A. services. We provide screening and access to veteran benefits. For those who qualify, vets are given a slot at "The Veteran's Restoration Quarters" for up to two years. We provide the basic necessities of an individualized cubical/bed, meals, laundry services, recreation and case management. In the past three years, no one has ever been discharged to the streets. Every veteran graduates to appropriate housing with income. They receive full access to medical care, dental care, pharmacy and medication assistance as needed. Our case management is available for up to six months after they leave "A Vet's Place." For the able bodied, we have virtually 100% success rate in placing veterans through our employment and training into productive work in the community. For the disabled veteran we are successful in establishing income maintenance.
Second, we have our Homeless Vets Reintegration Program (HVRP). HVRP Specialists reach out to homeless veterans all across western North Carolina to provide them with access to work preparedness, education, training and employment. We track veterans for up to six months after they leave the program. For those enrolled into the program, about 70% complete the training and obtain work. According to the Department of Labor independent monitoring statistics, in the past three years, they tell us that 88%-92% of all veterans who are placed on the job were still on the job 18 months after leaving our program. Our HVRP Specialists provide coordinated case management; an excellent working relationship with the designated veteran service providers at the Department of Social Services, at the Employment Security Commission and at the Job Link Career Center.
Third, our Veterans Work Investment Program (VWIP) is serving special needs populations of veterans, including the disabled. We are providing intensive training, life skills and specialized employment services for veterans who are dislocated workers and/or need retraining. Working closely with the Work Force Investment Board and the programs of the Employment Security Commission in North Carolina and Job Link Career Centers, we work on training and retraining opportunities, plus education opportunities with AB Tech to ensure a successful transition in redefining career paths. Based on successful performance outcomes and our past veteran’s services, ABCCM's "The Veteran's Restoration Quarters" was chosen as one of twelve (12) VWIP site awards in the country in June, 2006.
Current Needs for the Ministry to Veterans:
Personal Hygiene Items (toothbrushes, deodorant, toothpaste, dental floss, shave cream, razors, aftershave, cologne, Tums/Rolaids,
Alcohol-free Mouthwash, shampoo, soap, etc.) Clothing (underwear, t-shirts, jeans, etc.) Powdered Laundry Detergent,Diabetic Snacks,Book Bags,
Coats – Hats – Gloves Phone cards for making long distance calls. Christian paintings, posters, artwork to use in our Lobby, Dining Room and other locations throughout the new motel property. Well constructed park benches and picnic tables. Commercial Food Chopper, Gently used games.
Chaplain’s Needs – Bibles (large print and NKJV) $175.91 for a case of 16 from the Bibles by the Case, Large Print New Living Bible, “To Be Prepared: Daily Advent Devotion”, Christian Signs and Banners, Communion Set, Christian Art, Artificial Flower Arrangements
This week two men living here at the Vet’s Quarters came to me on different occasions and stated that since they have been living here they have not had a desire to drink or do drugs. This was behavior they felt they were trapped in before they entered our program. Both have been here for a few months now and are doing very well.
We credit the Lord Jesus Christ with the success we see everyday on this campus. It is apparent to us that He moves in the lives of these men in different ways and labors to bring about genuine change. Some realize this fact, others do not.
Two days ago, a new resident approached me with tears in his eyes and related to me how he just entered our program last week and how God had already blessed him with a new job and a newfound sense of peace. He wept as he described the impact this is having on his life.
Praise God for His goodness and mercy. We serve a loving Father with endless compassion and a deep desire to reach out to all of mankind.
