A big thank you to our community for coming out last Saturday to support Boothbay V.E.T.S. Inc. (Veterans Emergency Temporary Shelter) during their recent fundraiser. It was an excellent opportunity not only to raise money for a good cause, but also to highlight how Ed Harmon and his dedicated team are helping veterans across Maine overcome homelessness and begin transitioning toward more stable, productive lives. 

I was also grateful for the chance to speak on behalf of Maine Veterans In Need (MVN) and explain how our organization fits into the larger network of federal, state, and nonprofit groups working together to support Maine’s veterans. Sharing examples of how MVN and V.E.T.S. have collaborated—getting veterans out of cars, tents, or worse, and into safe environments—helped demonstrate the effectiveness of these partnerships when focused on a common mission. 

At the national level, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is undertaking a major initiative called "Getting Veterans Off the Streets." As part of this campaign, each VA medical center is required to host at least one “unsheltered outreach surge event” during fiscal year 2025, with the goal of ending veteran homelessness. 

This week, Maine is participating in that initiative with its own Unsheltered Veterans Outreach Surge Event. Teams from the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services (MBVS), and nonprofits like Preble Street, supported by the Elks in Augusta, and MVN, are actively going out to homeless encampments and other known areas across the state to connect directly with unsheltered veterans. These teams are offering on-the-spot services and ensuring that these veterans are aware of the resources available to help them. 

While the exact numbers fluctuate, it is currently estimated that around 145 veterans in Maine are homeless, with approximately 10–15 of those unsheltered—living in tents, cars, or on the streets. This week’s surge focuses on finding those individuals where they are and helping them immediately. It’s a powerful reminder that local, state, and federal agencies are taking veteran homelessness seriously and are investing real time, money, and human resources into solving it. 

On a different subject, Aug. 7 is Purple Heart Day. This observance honors U.S. service members who have been wounded or killed in combat. It also raises awareness about the sacrifices they and their families have made in service to our nation.  The Purple Heart originated as the Badge of Military Merit, created by General George Washington on Aug. 7, 1782, during the Revolutionary War. The modern Purple Heart medal was revived in 1932, on the 200th anniversary of Washington’s birth, and was retroactively awarded to veterans of World War I.  Since then, more than 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded. The medal features a purple ribbon and Washington’s profile—symbols of courage, sacrifice, and commitment.  Let us never forget the meaning behind it. 

The next Post breakfast is this Sunday, Aug. 10, 7:30-9 a.m.