OCW provides boost to Memphis veterans

Operation Comfort Warriors (OCW) provided $7,730 worth of gifts to Memphis-area veterans this week through various VA facilities, including a veterans homeless shelter.

There are 52 veterans, including seven women, who are staying at the Cocaine & Alcohol Awareness Program (CAAP) facility in Memphis. The shelter has been operating since 2001.

Not only do the veterans staying there go through a 12-step or other substance abuse rehabilitation program but all receive assistance with applying for jobs, acquiring benefits and other necessities of transitioning back to a stable environment.

CAAP Program Manager LaVida Giggers said most veterans stay eight to 10 months before they leave, with a few living at the facility for up to two years before they are ready to depart.

“Success has to be when the veteran is able to find permanent housing and to get through the substance abuse program,” Giggers said. “When we see that the individual has met those two goals, we see success.”

OCW provided toiletries, coffee and other supplies at the homeless shelter. At other VA facilities, OCW distributed craft kits, activity books, toiletries and more.

T. Rad Morris, who coordinates the homeless programs for the Memphis-area VA, was appreciative of the gifts. Morris said those items will help meet the basic needs of veterans.

The Memphis VA coordinates various other programs that help veterans, Morris said, including a legal clinic that has been active since 2009. He cited it as a major accomplishment to get a half-dozen lawyers to volunteer their time to assist veterans on everything from Social Security claims to outstanding warrants to child support payments.

“There is no one cause for homelessness — there can be social issues, substance abuse issues, legal issues … ,” Morris said. “The legal clinic helps veterans get outstanding warrants or other issues settled that can prevent you from leasing a place or getting a housing waiver.”