Leidos, a FORTUNE® 500 science and technology leader, recently donated $5,000 to the National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS). The donation will support NVHS programs that help prevent and eliminate homelessness among veterans living in Central Florida.
“We’re proud to invest in Brevard County and give back to our veteran community, who so thoroughly deserve our gratitude and support for their service,” said Eva Thurston, Leidos vice president and division manager within the Defense Group for modeling simulation & training. “NVHS is doing amazing work in Central Florida to help veterans stay in their homes or find shelter, have warm meals and adequate clothing. These are the basic necessities, and we’re proud to help NVHS accomplish this.”
Since 2021, Leidos has contributed a total of $15,000 to NVHS’ “Warm, Full, Safe” fundraising campaign. The annual campaign has been running for 12 years and has grown from a one-day event at Christmas delivering gifts and meals to homeless camps into a year-round call to action. Monies raised not only provide for hotel rooms, meals, and gifts at Christmas, but donations also help at-risk veterans year-round through financial assistance. During the month of December 2021, NVHS was able to keep 14 at-risk veterans in their homes with the lights on. They also gave gift cards, clothing and meals to 37 homeless veterans and 9 low-income veteran families. In total, through the generous donations of individuals and businesses like Leidos, NVHS helped 102 veterans and dependents.
“NVHS is grateful for the support of business leaders like Leidos. Without their support we could not achieve our mission to prevent and eliminate homelessness among veterans living in Central Florida,” remarked George Taylor Jr., NVHS President and Chief Executive Officer. “According to the 2020 census, there were 4600 veterans living in poverty in Brevard County. Inflation is at an all-time high and we are facing an affordable housing crisis, with skyrocketing rent and home values. It is an exceptionally difficult time low-income veterans, and the need for our services is rapidly growing. We need all the help we can get.”
