We took the time to talk to Wanda Kraemer, Founder and Director of Veteran’s Place. Here is what she had to share with us:
Tell us about Veterans Place.
Veterans Place is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides transitional home and related services to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Veterans Place is an innovative program in the River Region created to help male veterans regain their self support and assist them in the transition to permanent stable housing.
What inspired you to start Veterans Place ?
Veterans Place was founded in 2013 by a group of veterans and myself. When I came to Montgomery I became alarmed about Veteran homelessness in the area. I’m a widow of a Vietnam vet and witnessed the needs veterans have for a stable environment. I want to offer them tools for a new and productive life.
About how many veterans have you helped since you started?
Veterans Place is a start up organization with limited resources. We are fixing a house here in Montgomery to house up to 12 veterans in need. We designed programs to help our heroes overcome great odds as they take back their lives through community help, agency’s support and our program.
What do you have planned for 2015?
With God’s help and the community involvement, we are planning fundraiser activities to help sustain the mission. We will participate in community activities to educate the population to promote inclusion and understanding.
What is most rewarding about your job?
This is not really a job it is a calling; Is when your soul tells you that this is what needs to be done. In a job you make money, and right now, due to limited funding we all volunteer our time.
What are some of the problems that veterans are currently dealing with?
I would say that right now would be the weather and lack of knowledge. They lack information about VA health benefits and programs they are entitled to, community outreach programs available, and support from agencies that are happy to help them.
How can the community get involved?
Here in the river region, many of our community members are veterans. They could be part of a group of people who feel passionate about getting involved and give back to our silent heroes. The community can volunteer time and send their financial gifts to help us accomplish our mission. Here is how they can support:
- They can deposit their gift directly into our Veterans Place account at any Max Credit Union branch.
- They can send their check or money order to PO Box 5147, Montgomery, AL 36103-5147.
- They can access the Internet and visit http://www.gofundme.com/ifex98
The amount of your gifts are 100% tax deductible to the extent of the law. Thank you very much for your generous support!
For additional information you can call the director/founder Wanda Kraemer at 334-324-4606 or [email protected].
