Networking, Teamwork and Thinking Outside the Box

A newly-housed Vet looks forward to a good night’s sleep because of the NVF’s rapid response.

An Army Veteran who served in Korea was referred to us by his VA-HUD Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Social Worker. Recently approved for housing, the Vet reached out to us for help accessing a bed to sleep on. As part of the HUD VASH program, approved Veterans are given a bed and bedding. However, the turnaround time for delivery is usually a week or two after move-in. The Vet planned to sleep on the floor for that length of time. In severe pain three nights in, he called us.

Martha Varela, NVF Women Veterans Coordinator took the call and contacted board member Kristine Stanley, SSVF Program Manager for Volunteers of America, who suggested an air mattress until the new bed arrived. NVF staffers Gerald Hilliard and Micheal Washington raced to Target, purchased an air mattress and hand delivered it along with additional furniture, highlighting the importance of networking among all veteran service groups. In this case, the NVF was able to respond with a simple out-of-the-box solution that was instant and better, vet-to-vet. That’s our hallmark.