Friendship Place and Bob Woodruff Foundation Unite to Aid Veterans' Stability

Partnership for Veterans' Support

In a commendable initiative, Friendship Place, a notable nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness in the Washington DC area, has recently announced its collaboration with the Bob Woodruff Foundation. This partnership is set to bolster the Veterans First program through essential funding aimed at improving housing and financial assistance for veterans and their families.

The Bob Woodruff Foundation has a history of backing programs that safeguard the future of veterans and military families by providing them with tools and resources for stability. The funding will enable Friendship Place to advance its Veterans First program, which is integral in providing case management and emergency financial support to ensure veterans have access to housing, employment, and other critical services.

Margaret Harrell, Chief Program Officer at the Bob Woodruff Foundation, emphasized the importance of their rigorous selection process for organizations like Friendship Place, which strive for long-term, measurable impacts. This investment demonstrates a commitment to facilitating better lives for veterans who have sacrificed so much for their nation.

The Veterans First initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs, focuses on rapid rehousing and prevention services specifically for veterans and their families residing within the Washington DC metropolitan area. This accredited program, recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), employs the proven Housing First model, which prioritizes immediate housing access while addressing challenges like unemployment or mental health issues.

Through extensive case management, the Veterans First program links participants to a plethora of resources, including medical and mental health services, job placement assistance, and various benefits, thereby ensuring long-term housing stability and better quality of life.

Jean-Michel Giraud, President and CEO of Friendship Place, expressed his gratitude for this significant funding, stating, "This funding is a crucial advancement in our mission to eradicate homelessness among veterans and their families. We cherish our collaboration with the Bob Woodruff Foundation and are committed to providing the necessary support that enables our veterans to reclaim their lives with dignity."

The Bob Woodruff Foundation was established in 2006, following the injury of journalist Bob Woodruff, who was critically wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the Iraq war. Since its inception, the foundation has worked tirelessly to improve awareness surrounding the difficulties faced by veterans and military families, while also funding practical solutions for successful reintegration into civilian life. With over $165 million invested in various programs, their work spans a multitude of facets vital for veterans' success.

For those seeking more information about the Bob Woodruff Foundation's ongoing efforts, please visit bobwoodrufffoundation.org. Further details about Friendship Place and its Veterans First program can be found at friendshipplace.org/veterans.

This collaboration marks a hopeful stride towards providing much-needed support for veterans, ensuring they have the tools necessary for a stable and fulfilling future.