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Working in the Dark: Vets Helping Vets is in Financial TroubleVets Helping Vets has been struggling to stay afloat ever since former director Jerry Butler left after he was accused of embezzling almost all of the organization's money. For now, they are carrying on, even with the lights turned off.Related Content
A local organization that helps Alaska’s veterans with a variety of resources is struggling to keep its doors open.
Vets Helping Vets opened its doors two years ago. Lately, it hasn’t been receiving enough donations to pay its employees, rent, and even bills. As a result, the lights were shut off several days ago. The organization was unable to come up with $1,300 for the electric deposit and has been working in the dark for the last week until it can raise enough money to get the lights turned back on. “We don’t have electricity on, but we refuse to lie down and die. We still fight through,” said Calista Anderson, the group’s president. She believes donations are down because of its reputation. Last year, its founder, Jerry Butler, was accused of embezzling most of the organization’s money and later left. But Anderson is working to improve its image. “Money is being managed well. That’s why we say anyone can come in and check it out,” she said. The organization continues to feed nearly 20 homeless veterans each night, even without the lights or heat in the building. The main cook, Marcus Coval, a Navy veteran, says he’ll continue cooking so that veterans can have a little light in their lives. The group says it’s also considering changing its name and even potentially moving to another building if the situation doesn’t improve. |
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Seems to Me... said on Tuesday, Oct 18 at 10:51 PM
You know that program they have for the homeless? Can they have them volunteer to help dispurse the food and plug them into some programs to relocate to a better facility and assist in business management and non-profit internet media coverage to get donations and help...homeless start volunteering then be a driver to deliver or pick up...food storage and forklift...shop time for the homeless too...can serve as a step up to get a job at a shop that can be in any industry if basic trainings are covered...VA should cover some... Then see if the homeless can go to VA for group therapy and give them a heads up for what is to come if they just sit on the sidelines in depression...from the horses mouth Just a thought...
75531223compuuuter said on Tuesday, Oct 18 at 11:22 PM
i like your idea. the alaska va "stand down 2011" is nov. 4th at the airport. if you would like to share your idea, who knows, you may find other u's while you're there?
75531643Steve said on Wednesday, Oct 19 at 7:06 AM
While we appreciate KTVA for covering the story, it was not entirely accurate. The lighting is from Chugiak's greed and unwillingness to work with us not a deposit problem.
75545564Marie said on Wednesday, Oct 19 at 7:31 AM
I wish they would have indicated how much money they need to get the lights back on.
75547027you can count on thomas said on Wednesday, Oct 19 at 9:38 PM
The VA's Veteran's Homeless Domiciliary at Benson & C Street, 273-4000, is the real deal, where veterans receive extensive comprehensive services that are indeed life changing, ending homelessness, addictions, and truly making life worth living again. A complete program for those that want to improve their situation. I wonder how the two programs compare, I have not participated with Vets helping vets because it is not a VA program and I felt it was vet's collecting money for a scammer. How are its clients fairing? I believe it is important for our community to support getting our homeless off the street, and feel Karluk Manor is a good start. Rather than a band-aid or a fish, the VA's Dom gives a Vet that wants a life off the street all the tools, resources, education, and ability to become a community asset instead of burden. I thank the VA for helping me. After 4 tries and several years of work, I now love my life. I am on my own and doing well..... Thanks VA!
75585839Steve said on Wednesday, Oct 19 at 10:15 PM
@ you can count on thomas. The VA is trash.Vets have to fight a whole other war to get anything out of them. All we require is proof you served. If you think we are a scam come on down & see for yourself what we do. We will open our books & show you. Will the VA do that? NO. @ Marie, in total we need just over $1300, we do have most of it thanks to the generous people of Anchorage who actually support Vets.
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