Non-profit receives $150k to help veterans
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — In the past three years, the number of unhoused people in Lansing has gone up by 400% – and Peckham Inc., a local non-profit, is using a $150,000 grant to make sure close to 200 local veterans don’t end up on the streets.
“So, this is the first year that we’ve operated this grant and the first year that I’ve been in this position. And while I’ve been operating this position, we’ve heard the stories of veterans with their housing needs and the struggles that they’ve faced, such as living out of their cars, etc.,” Matthew Hammer, Veteran Services Specialist said.
Non-profit receives $150k to help veterans (WLNS) Non-profit receives $150k to help veterans (WLNS) Non-profit receives $150k to help veterans (WLNS)
Hammer said this takes place in the form of rental assistance, making a down payment, and helping pay utility bills.
According to Hammer, they also plan on offering resources such as financial classes, debt management, and consulting to make sure veterans have the resources they need to survive.
“So, the plan that we have is written for the 150,000 and for the scope that we’re looking to offer it. We do think that that amount will be sufficient, and we really can’t thank you enough for that response. And it allows us, like I said earlier, to reach veterans in a new way and really service them in a way that I don’t think a lot of other employers can really do for their veterans,” Hammer said.
“Everyone deserves accommodations, everyone deserves meaningful employment, everyone deserves an answer to homelessness.”
Hammer said veterans at Peckham served us and now it’s time to serve them.
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