ELKS MAKE A HOUSE A HOME

Elks Lodge 1108 in San Rafael continues its support of veterans by collecting furniture and other items for previously homeless and other low-income veterans in conjunction with Veterans Rehoming Help, a 2024 Giving Marin grant recipient. According to the organization, when a homeless veteran is placed in housing, usually through HUD/ VASH with a Section 8 voucher, they often receive a bed from Swords to Plowshares, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans as they navigate the challenges of post-military life, and a small Elks Welcome Home stipend for bed linens, kitchen and cleaning supplies, and towels. “Our Elks Lodge has established a program of collecting donated furniture, kitchen items and other things to help them reestablish more normal lives,” said Peter Behr, veterans chairman at Elks 1108. The program has been funded in large part by Elks National Foundation grants, which have helped the organization to cover the rental costs of 800 square feet of storage space and some furniture transportation service. When the organization has surplus items, it makes them available to veterans in adjoining counties as well. “We get paid in smiles — which are occasionally overwhelming,” Behr said. “The program also gives us an opportunity to check in on some of the more fragile veterans that we, as a lodge, are assisting — anything from referrals to the VA for health care, benefits assistance, education and employment.” While the amount of inventory and veterans in need tends to vary, with shortages of both at different times, the group has received new donation sources. “So now I just need more veterans to help,” Behr said. To reach out for veterans assistance, visit elks1108.org.