2024 Warm Full Safe Campaign: Help Us End Veteran Homelessness All Year Long

veteran

As the holiday season approaches, the warmth we enjoy is a stark contrast to the cold reality faced by many veterans in Florida—homelessness and the constant threat of it. These brave men and women who have selflessly served our country deserve far more than a life of instability. At NVHS, we are committed to making this a reality during the holidays and all year. This year, we are launching our 2024 Warm Full Safe campaign to raise $175,000 to sustain essential programs that keep veterans and their families secure.

We invite you to join us in this mission and support those who have given so much to our country.

Making a Difference Together

Our campaign started on Veterans Day—a symbolic start as we honor those who served and work to give back. Here are some key dates to keep in mind: 

  • Giving Tuesday (December 3, 2024) is part of our overall campaign, with a specific goal of $20,000. It is a  chance for our community to come together to support veterans in need. Let’s make an impact!
  • Crypto Giving Tuesday (December 3, 2024): Join us for Crypto Giving Tuesday, an exciting opportunity for crypto donors to make a difference. This day is a chance for the digital asset community to unite and contribute to vital programs supporting veterans. Let’s harness the power of crypto for good!
  • Mid-Point Update (December 13, 2024): Mark your calendar for our Mid-Point Update! We’ll check our progress toward our year-end goals and use this milestone to build momentum. Stay connected and help keep the energy going as we push forward to support those who have served.
  • Stock Donation End-of-Year (December 16, 2024): If you plan to donate stock, ensure your contribution is completed by December 16 for a timely 2024 tax credit. This deadline helps guarantee your gift benefits, our programs and your tax planning.
  • End-of-Year Donation (December 28-31, 2024): This is your last chance to make an impact and gain potential tax benefits! Donations via crypto, cash, or check made by December 31 will count for 2024. Your support during these final days could mean the world to veterans and their families.
  • Final Day to Donate (December 31, 2024): The last day to contribute! Ensure all mailed donations are postmarked by December 31 to qualify for 2024 tax benefits. Let’s end the year strong and bring hope and stability to those who’ve served our country.

Why This Year Matters More Than Ever

The past few years have been particularly tough for low-income veterans in our area. Since 2021, rents have surged by 33%, while average incomes have only risen by 18%. This disparity has led to a 18% increase in veterans and their families seeking assistance, primarily those on the brink of eviction. Your support is more crucial than ever to help veterans navigate these challenges and reclaim stability.

Our Programs at Work

Your donations have a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. Thanks to your life-changing support, NVHS programs made significant strides in 2023, reaching new milestones and making a tangible difference in the community. 

These efforts have empowered individuals and families, improved access to critical services, and fostered positive change across our programs. With each donation, you’re helping to create a brighter future for those in need, and we’re excited to share the progress we’ve made together.

Search and Rescue Program: We have assisted 373 veterans and 123 family members, providing basic needs to veterans on the streets and connections to housing and benefits and preventing the homelessness of 102 veteran families.

Transitional Housing Program: Offered temporary shelter and supportive services to 15 veterans and their families, setting them toward independence.

Annual Christmas Event: Brought joy to 75 veterans and their families with gift bags, gift cards, and hotel stays for those in need.

Annual Thanksgiving Event: Prepared, packaged, and delivered 318 meals to homeless and low-income veterans and their families throughout Brevard County.

The results speak volumes. The 2024 Point-in-Time count revealed that while overall homelessness in Brevard County increased by 2%, veteran homelessness decreased by 14%. 

Your generosity has directly contributed to a 90% decrease in veteran homelessness since 2008—a powerful testament to what we can achieve together.

Here’s a success story and an example of what your constant support helps us achieve: veteran and family

Air Force Veteran P. Polich reached out to NVHS as a last resort after enduring months of instability—staying with friends, renting a car to sleep in when she could, and even spending nights on the streets. She had recently relocated to Brevard County from South Florida, where resources were scarce. During an eye-opening call with NVHS, she discovered people were ready to support her. NVHS quickly arranged for her to stay in a motel with food and hygiene supplies while coordinating with a Partner Agency specializing in housing for female veterans. P. Polich was placed into transitional housing, giving her the stability to focus on job searching without the constant fear of where she would sleep. Thanks to the combined efforts of NVHS and our Partner Agencies, she is now on the path to a brighter future.

Help Keep Veterans Safe and Warm All Year

By contributing to the Warm Full Safe campaign, you play a vital role in ensuring veterans receive the ongoing support they deserve throughout the year. Your donation helps provide essential services, including access to food, shelter, healthcare, and mental health support, directly impacting their well-being.

  • Donate Online: Securely contribute via our website. We accept donations in various forms, including crypto, stock, and donor-advised funds (DAFs). When donating to a DAF, you receive immediate tax recognition.
  • Participate in Giving Tuesday: Join us on December 3 for this global day of generosity.
  • Send a Stock Donation: Complete your stock donation by December 16 to qualify for a 2024 tax deduction.
  • Give by Mail: Ensure your mailed donation is postmarked by December 31 to count for the 2024 tax season.
  • End-of-Year Giving: Contribute cash, check, or crypto before December 31 to maximize your tax benefits.

Why Crypto and Stock Donations Matter

Expanding our capacity to accept donations in various forms, including crypto and stock, means greater flexibility for our supporters and more resources to help veterans. Our online donation page includes a simple button for crypto and stock contributions. These forms of giving can be particularly impactful, as donors may reap tax benefits while making a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Closing the Year with Purpose

Regardless of size, every donation contributes to the larger mission of ending veteran homelessness. Your support helps sustain crucial programs that offer immediate relief and long-term solutions. When you contribute to NVHS, you’re doing more than giving; you’re part of a movement dedicated to ensuring our veterans are never forgotten or left behind.

As we close out 2024, let’s make sure no veteran is left behind—together, we can bring warmth and security to those who served us. With your help, we can meet our $175,000 goal and continue to provide warm meals, safe shelters, and financial assistance that empowers veterans year-round.

Together, we can ensure that the holiday season—and every season—is one of warmth, fullness, and safety for our veterans. Join us in giving the greatest gift: the gift of a home.

Visit our campaign page today to learn more and make your donation.