Reach out to local agencies to see how you can make a difference 
 
 
Words can’t describe the devastation to parts of North Carolina after Hurricane Helene ripped through in September 2024.  
 
“My contacts at the VA hospital told me I could not get into the hospital from the exit we were used to driving in on, the bridge had been washed away, and houses were in the creek along the banks that stretch beside the Veterans Restoration Quarters,” recalled North Carolina Unit 100 member Jill Puett. 

The unit had been working with the Veterans Restoration Quarters as part of the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) since approximately 2004 and has since continued its efforts after the hurricane.   

“I managed to get to the new quarters,” Puett said. “There were volunteers there helping them get situated and welcomed new clothes, blankets, and food items. Every veteran on the ground level lost everything. It was all under water.” 
 
So many organizations were trying to help, but then the facility was overwhelmed with items and nowhere to store them. Unit 100 waited to let things get more organized and then staff was in touch with the ALA about what was most needed. 
 
Veterans Restoration Quarters provides 160 beds of transitional housing, 40 beds for emergency shelter, and 50 units of permanent supportive housing, for a total of 250 beds. 
 
There are homeless veterans who come from all over the state.
 
“You can’t imagine how heartwarming it is to see the [ABCCM] folks and the volunteers who work with our veterans to help them have a better life and carry the mission of The American Legion Family,” she said. “Everyone takes pride in helping each and every veteran.”
 
Puett encourages Legion Family members to get involved with their area homeless veterans and make a difference in their lives. 
 
“I would say to any organization, Legion Family, to not miss an opportunity to help our veterans,” she said. “Do not let them feel less important, and ask how they can help give them a hand up. No veteran should be left without a home; they need kindness and respect. At the Veterans Restoration Quarters, they have leaders who come in and help them learn a new trade, and help to educate them.”
 
Veterans Restoration Quarters’ Steps to Success:
1. Stabilization with all the basic necessities provided.
2. Life skills training with over 60 volunteer courses to choose from.
3. Education and professional training certifications that lead to living wage jobs.
4. Reintegration that leads to permanent housing.
*8 out of 10 leave with a living wage job and permanent housing