As we bid farewell to another remarkable year at FOB Hope, we take a moment to reflect on our journey, the challenges we've overcome, and the remarkable milestones we've achieved. In 2023, our unwavering commitment to serving our nation's heroes and making a difference in the lives of veterans continued to be at the forefront of everything we do.
Our Veterans Village Thrives: Throughout the year, FOB Hope continued its mission to serve and support veterans and their spouses. The results we achieved in 2023 exemplify our unwavering commitment to fostering a thriving and supportive community.
Service to Veterans and Spouses: In 2023, FOB Hope proudly served 91 veterans and their spouses. This dedication to meeting the needs of our community members underscores our core values of compassion, empathy, and support.
Assisting Veterans into Permanent Housing: One of our most significant achievements this year was assisting 35 veterans in finding permanent housing. This accomplishment not only reflects our commitment to providing shelter but also our determination to help individuals regain their independence and stability.
Strengthened Community Spirit: The heartbeat of FOB Hope is its vibrant and close-knit community. Throughout the year, we witnessed an unprecedented surge in community spirit, which created an atmosphere of camaraderie, healing, and progress. Our residents have come together like never before, offering mutual support, sharing experiences, and helping each other on their journeys to recovery.
Cumulative Impact: Since its inception, our Veterans Village has made a profound impact on the lives of 140 veterans and their spouses. Among them, 70 veterans have successfully transitioned into permanent housing. This accomplishment highlights our dedication to the long-term well-being of those we serve.
Looking Ahead: While achieving a 50% success rate in assisting veterans into permanent housing is commendable, we are resolute in our commitment to doing even more. Our team is eager to build upon our successes and reach even greater milestones in the coming year. We are ready to expand our services, deepen our impact, and continue to make a positive difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Tracy Jones Veterans Transitional Housing Program (TJVT): In a significant expansion of our commitment to housing homeless veterans, we proudly introduced the Tracy Jones Veterans Transitional Housing Program (TJVT) in Pierce County this year. TJVT exemplifies our dedication to providing a stable and supportive environment where veterans can regain their footing and chart a path toward a brighter future.
While the program officially opened its doors in October 2023, it's important to acknowledge that new beginnings often come with their share of challenges. As we embarked on this journey, we encountered some initial hurdles. However, our unwavering resolve and tireless efforts have already yielded heartening results.
In a short period, we've successfully assisted two veterans in securing permanent housing. These tangible achievements not only reflect our commitment to making a meaningful impact but also underscore the profound difference that a caring and supportive community can make in the lives of those we serve.
We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as TJVT continues to evolve and grow. The road may be winding, but our dedication remains steadfast. We are confident that with your continued support, TJVT will serve as a beacon of hope and transformation for many more veterans in the years to come.
Outreach and Support Services: Our outreach efforts in King and Pierce Counties continued to thrive, as we actively engaged with veterans in need, offering resources, support, and a listening ear. Our Pathfinder Coordinator played a pivotal role in training social services professionals, equipping them with essential skills such as de-escalation and suicide awareness.
Community Engagement: FOB Hope's commitment to community engagement was unwavering throughout the year. We actively collaborated with esteemed organizations such as the Pierce County Homeless Coalition, various veteran-serving institutions, and a spectrum of community-driven organizations in King and Pierce Counties. Our dedication to fostering partnerships and building bridges with stakeholders was evident.
Notably, we contributed significantly to events that resonated with our mission and showcased our unwavering support for veterans and the broader community. Our involvement in events like the Tacoma Stand Down, the Seattle Seahawks 50/50 raffle, and the heartwarming Trunk or Treat initiative for children in Pierce County underscored our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our immediate mission. These endeavors amplified our outreach efforts, furthering our goal of serving veterans and their families while strengthening the community bonds we hold dear.
Looking Ahead: As we embrace the upcoming year, our resolve remains as strong as ever. We recognize that our work is far from over, and we remain committed to serving our veterans with the same passion and dedication that has fueled our mission since our inception.
In closing, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our tireless staff, dedicated volunteers, generous donors, and the entire FOB Hope community. Together, we've made a profound difference in the lives of veterans, offering them hope, dignity, and a path toward a brighter future.
Here's to a promising new year, filled with opportunities to continue our vital work in supporting those who have given so much for our country.
With warmest regards,
Monique Brown
Executive Director
FOB Hope