KINGMAN, Ariz. – Last week, we wrote about how Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council (JAVC) utilizes an annual operating budget of $1.5M to $1.7M to help homeless veterans and those who have homes in need of repair annual operating.
“That covers emergency housing programs, transportation services, case management, clinical services, food program, facilities, staff, utilities, maintenance, and veteran outreach throughout Mohave County,” Executive Director Lonnie Wills said.
How can they come up with that amount of money year after year?
There are several ways, Wills said.
One way is through state and federal grants, primarily through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other government grants.
JAVC also hosts several annual fundraisers. Two popular ones are coming up in July and August.
The first fundraiser is JAVC’s Quarterly Bowling Tournament, scheduled for July 26 at the Cerbat Lanes. It’s a 9-pin, no-tap fun tournament with over $2,000 in cash prizes. Entry fee is $50 per person. Lanes at Cerbat are limited, so early registration is recommended.
To sponsor the tournament or to register, click on the following link:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/AIZhoU1JHZjxnDC1WIllmw
Another fundraiser is the JAVC Golf Tournament August 22 at Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course.
Cash prizes will be awarded for first through fourth place. Last place will get a free foursome, courtesy of Cerbat Cliffs Golf Course.
Also available to win is a car for a hole-in-one and someone will win a Caribbean Vacation in the Grand Prize Raffle. There will also be items up for bids in a silent auction. Entry fee is $125 per player.
Wills said The JAVC Golf Tournament still needs one Platinum sponsor for $10,000 and two Diamond sponsors for $5,000 each.
To sponsor the tournament or to register, click on this link:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/4bnXKwPDUPHXKdRleMmhqw
JAVC also receives support through the Camp Hope Thrift Store in Golden Valley.
“They are an outlet for donations that come through JAVC’s facility,” Wills stated. “It allows us to provide much-needed clothing, furniture and household items for veterans who are being placed into permanent housing while also helping raise money to support our Veterans Assistance Program. That program helps veterans with housing assistance, fuel, car repairs and other essential resources.”
JAVC additionally receives funds from individual donors, corporate sponsorships, and foundation grants.
Combined, Wills said, community-based sources contribute roughly between $250 to $500K.
Wills said JAVC’s biggest need is sustainable funding for permanent supportive housing and the ongoing operation of veteran services.
He continued, “While we pursue funding for the Liberty Commons project, we also need continued support to operate our existing programs.”
The Liberty Commons project will build 70 to 72 homes for veterans at an estimated cost of $5.5M.
Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG) submitted a request for $2.5M of that expense which is the Kingman Veterans Supportive Housing Expansion bill, included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) budget. It has been advanced with support from Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego and is currently under consideration.
Wills commented, “This is an important and encouraging step forward, not just for JAVC, but for the veterans throughout Mohave County who deserve long-term housing stability and support.”
“Every veteran’s story is different, but they all deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity,” said Executive Director Lonnie Wills. “Our community has always stepped up to support those who served, and with that continued support, we can ensure no veteran in Mohave County has to face homelessness alone.”
Director Wills encourages everyone to step up to action, to become part of the mission by volunteering, sponsoring an event, attending one of JAVC’s fundraisers or by making a donation to help homeless veterans.
For more information on the Jerry Ambrose Veterans Council or to see what you can do to help, call 928-880-5091 or email Executive Director Lonnie Wills at lonnie.wills@javc.org
