Serving those who have served

November is a month marked by two special observances -- honoring our veterans on Veterans Day, and celebrating our blessings on Thanksgiving. As we jump into November tomorrow, the City of Spokane, Goodwill Industries, and our partners on the Spokane Veteran Leadership Committee challenge you to honor our veterans who are homeless by thanking them, and "Serving those who served" for our freedom.

Goodwill is proud to be part of the Veteran Leadership Committee of the Spokane Continuum of Care. This group has been working together closely to servte those who are experiencing homelessness in Spokane. This spring, the Veteran's Leadership Committee launched a new initiative to map out a collaborative process to identify veterans who are homeless and connect them to services they need. The committee examined and evaluated the current homelessness system, identified gaps in the response system, and developed action steps for the Continuum of Care. The agencies are seeking to expand partnerships amongst agencies throughout the region toward the goal of ending veteran homelessness in Spokane.

This month, we hope our community will see the need of their neighbor, and serve our veterans who are homeless. Many people want to help, but just don't know how. So, how CAN you "Serve those who have served' this month?

Rent an apartment/permanent home to a veteran:

One of the biggest challenges facing our community members who are experiencing homelessness is access to housing. Goodwill's SSVF program and many other area agencies are partnering with the Inland Northwest Landlord Association and landlords in our community to find permanent homes for our veterans who are currently homeless. You can give a chance to a veteran who is homeless, like Walter. For more information about housing a veteran, call 509-321-3348.

Donate items for a move-in package:

Many of our veterans who are homeless have nothing to set up their apartment when they do secure a permanent home. You can help by donating one or more of these high-need items. Think of it as giving a "Welcome package" to a new neighbor. From November 8-22, Goodwill is hosting a donation drive for the following items:

• New towels
• New sheets
• Personal care items
• Toilet paper

You can drop these items off in the blue bin at any of the following Goodwill Donation centers from November 8-22.

• Downtown Spokane,130 E. Third Avenue (west end of complex)
• Outlet, 1406 E. Front Avenue
• North Spokane, 9832 N. Nevada Street
• Francis & Division, 116 W. Francis Avenue (West of Aces Casino)
• N. Division Y, 9414 N. Division Street (Rosauers)
• Wandermere, 11804 N. Division Street (Division Street & Regina Road)
• Northwest Boulevard, 1617 W. Northwest Boulevard
• Mt.Spokane, 4015 E. Mt. Spokane Park Drive, Mead, WA
• Spokane Valley, 13721 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA
• Appleway, 311 S. Dishman-Mica Road (AutoNation)
• Pines Road, 1010 S. Pines Road
• South Hill, 2927 E. 27th Avenue
• Veradale, 15704 E. Sprague Avenue (Next to Dairy Queen)
• 57th Avenue, 3209 E. 57th Avenue