June 24, 2013

Help our local veterans by donating household goods for “Welcome Home” move-in kits.  The kits will be gratefully used by formerly homeless veterans as they transition into their new homes.

The Welcome Home kits are part of “Operation 305” – an initiative created in partnership between the Portland Housing Bureau, Multnomah County, Home Forward, and United Way.

Operation 305’s goal was to ensure that each of the 305 Portland-area VASH vouchers were used by veterans. The federal government’s VASH program (Veterans Assistance Supportive Housing) provides rent assistance to previously homeless and disabled veterans. But other expenses that go along with moving into a home – like application fees and security deposits – were keeping voucher-holders from securing a home. Each Operation 305 partner contributed $10,000 to cover these small but essential moving expenses.

Operation 305 was a resounding success, and all 305 vouchers are now in use by veterans!

Now, let’s do our part and help out by donating bathroom necessities, kitchenware, cookware, cleaning supplies, and basic household items to transform these new houses into homes. Drop of your donation at any time at the Bud Clark Commons Day Center,665 NW Hoyt St. The deadline to get items in is July 31.

Click here to see a full list of goods needed.

Split the list up among family members, friends, or office mates. Your care, and household goods, can make all the difference to our veterans.