Vets down on their luck find safe harbor: this Minnesota program has assisted some 2,600 veterans, giving them a helping hand and a chance for a new start. VFW Posts and members play an instrumental role

VFW Magazine, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Janie Blankenship

Prior to his death, Sen. Paul Wellstone (D-Minn.) secured a $500,000 Department of Labor grant for MACV's VETLAW program. It provides flee legal aid to homeless veterans.

VA's Grant and Per Diem Program provides funding for Building 47, including the employment of Nathaniel Saltz, 32, who serves as case manager for the residents there. Saltz, whose background is in education, was trained in alcohol and drug counseling because his job is to urge vets to fend for themselves.

"Having the blessing of VA partners and the state is extremely important for us to function," Coulthard says. "And county veterans service officers are our front line of defense."

He further notes that Linda Boone, with the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, has been instrumental in MACV's progress.

And then there are the veterans service organizations whose members support the homeless program. George Udeth and Millie Johnson of VFW Post 5555 in Richfield and its Auxiliary deliver food weekly to Building 47. Furthermore, the Post sponsors an annual cookout for the residents. Members like Chuck Lindbergh--the only remaining survivor of the first flag raising on two Jima--visit homeless vets and know them by name.

"We're proud to be doing this," Millie says. "And it makes us very happy"

The founding Post is still an avid supporter. VFW Post 6583's Auxiliary faithfully donates $100 a month to MACV.

According to Rick Peterson, who has worked for MACV since early on, the Minnesota National Guard is a huge supporter, as well. He works with the Guard on maintenance projects, such as roofing and painting, at the transitional homes.

"It's pretty amazing to see what they [Guard members] can get done in a day," he says.

Providing a "Structured Environment'

Veterans at MACV are provided with weekly computer training and are required to participate in VA's compensated work therapy program (CWT). They receive support in recovering from addictions and mental illnesses.

Coulthard says veterans are required to follow a 12-step program by attending at least two Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings a week.

"For those who claim not to be chemically dependent, they must attend Al-Anon meetings because they are living among addicts and alcoholics," he says.

Army vet Douglas Allen, 49, lost his home in April and wound up at Building 47 in June. He is working in the "kitchen at the hospital as part of CWT.

"I have four years of sobriety and start every day new," he says. "These people believe in me and are helping me to believe in myself.

Allen, who was in the Army from 1980-1984, spent a good deal of his life drinking. He had two heart attacks, making work more difficult.

"I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for this place," says Allen, who was stationed in Germany as a light wheel vehicle driver.

Like one-third of the veterans who come to MACV, Mien is really working hard. Coulthard says another third w-ill succeed after several setbacks, and the remaining third won't make it all.

"We help these guys by providing a structured environment," he says. "Some of them have been living outside tar so long, they've forgotten basic social skills."