Salute! Iowa Non-Profit Proposes National Homeless Veterans Center

by Natalie Wendt · 2010-10-26 14:05:00 UTC
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saluteKnoxville, Iowa could be transforming a former veterans' hospital into a new national center for homeless veterans with 400 beds and federally-subsidized education and treatment programs. The proposed National Veterans Recovery Center would provide services to homeless and at-risk veterans for up to two years. And it seems that the Department of Veterans Affairs is investing in the program for the long-haul: they've expressed interest in leasing the property for up to 75 years.

Regular readers of this blog (and people with common sense) already know why services for homeless veterans are so desperately needed. Though 400 beds doesn't seem like much when more than 100,000 veterans are homeless, it is a promising step in the right direction. Plus the proposed location boasts 163 acres and 39 buildings, plenty of space for on-site training and treatment, and possibly enough space to offer more beds after the center establishes itself. Best of all, this proposal has a fighting chance of becoming a reality – with a little push from supporters. Voice your support for the National Veterans Recovery Center!

The center proposal comes from a nonprofit headed by former Army Reserve officer Bob Krause. Krause has decades of experience in the Reserves and as a politician, and has been a long-time advocate for veterans, so he seems to have the skills to bring the center into being. Knoxville's mayor Donald Zoutte has voiced support for the project if Krause "has his ducks in a row." The bad news: Knoxville is a town of only 8,000 and may lack job opportunities for transitioning veterans, though it is only 35 miles from Des Moines. And the veterans' organization isn't the only group with an eye on leasing the property. An investor group and a college are also interested in securing the government's long-term lease.

So whose bid will be accepted? One option is that the large facility may be shared, which could lead to both job creation and a much-needed center for homeless veterans. But however the lease is decided, let's make sure the National Veterans Recovery Center is included and homeless veterans get the center they deserve.

Photo credit: isafmedia

Natalie Wendt is an elementary school teacher and freelance writer. She has volunteered at Hope House, a shelter for homeless women, and with Food Not Bombs.

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