FeedsEvents will aid area veterans
Want to help a veteran? You’ll soon get your chance.
Veteran’s Haven of Wayne is hosting two events next week to aid veterans.
According to Scott Romp, public relations coordinator for the group, the fundraisers are designed to help the registered non-profit organization continue to meet a growing need.
“We have close to 5,000 homeless veterans just in the Detroit area,” he said. “Twenty-three percent of the homeless in America are veterans. Michigan ranks eighth in the country.”
“The Veterans Administration right now is under funded and overburdened,” he said.
He added that for the veterans, receiving their compensation often hinges on seeing a doctor—and that the wait time at a Veterans Administration hospital can be months. Meanwhile, veterans—particularly those without strong networks of family or friends to fall back on—can get caught in a spiral that ends in homelessness, according to Romp.
Operated by veterans for veterans, Veteran’s Haven is designed to break that cycle by helping down-on-their-luck veterans find the help they need. To meet what Romp called a “rising need”, though, the group needs some help from the public.
For those who consider themselves good shots, bragging rights and a chance to showcase their skills will be available between May 14-18 when Veteran’s Haven and the Firing Line offer a shooting competition. Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and from 6-8 p.m. throughout next week, visitors to the Firing Line indoor gun range in Westland will be able shoot in the competition for a $10 donation. Participants can shoot more than once with the highest score being recorded and two divisions – Military and Non-Military—will be available. The victors will have their names placed on a trophy that will remain on display at the Firing Line, Romp said. All proceeds for the competition will benefit Veteran’s Haven. The Firing Line is located at 38427 Webb Dr. off of Hix Road, just north of Ford Road. For more information about the shooting competition, call the Firing Line at (734) 326-7320 or Veteran’s Haven at (734) 478-0822.
Tickets are also available for an Armed Forces Day dinner and celebration, which will be offered from 7 p.m. to midnight May 19, which is the national Armed Forces Day.
“It’s a day to remember everyone who has served in the military,” said Romp.
Open to the public, the event is designed to provide an entertaining night on the town while raising money for a more serious cause—providing for veterans. The party, which will take place at the Wayne Ford Civic League, will include live music by the Christy Howard Band, award presentations for the winners of the shooting competition, a buffet dinner, and an open bar. It will also feature auction items including Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings memorabilia and an Ipod Nano Shuffle as a door prize.
The Wayne Ford Civic League is located on 1645 N. Wayne Road in Westland. The cost of the dinner is $30 per person. To purchase tickets or for more information, contact Veteran’s Haven at (734) 478-0822. Due to the necessities of preparing sufficient food, Romp said that pre-registration by May 17 would be appreciated although it is not required.
“We all support our troops, but we have to support them when they come home as well,” said Romp. “If we don’t want to repeat what happened to our veterans after Vietnam, we need to do something.”
Since its creation, Veteran’s Haven has assisted over 10,000 veterans with food, clothing, transportation and supportive/transitional housing.
