Delaware State Housing Authority employees have raised $1,580 for the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund, an account created in 2013 to help Delaware veterans pay for emergency costs, including medical expenses, utility bills, and home repairs.
Delaware’s Commission of Veterans Affairs administers the Trust Fund, which helps provide stability for Delaware veterans and their families by also offering homelessness support and funding for educational and retraining programs.
Fifty DSHA employees participated in the fundraiser, held at Brunswick Zone Doverama Lanes near Dover. DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi presented a check to the commission during its meeting on Tuesday.
“We have an obligation to ensure our veterans receive the support, services and respect they rightly deserve,” said Director Ben Addi. “DSHA is proud to support the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund.”
Previous DSHA employee fundraisers raised funds for Oklahoma tornado victims and Catholic Charities’ Basic Needs Program in Dover.
Governor Jack Markell in September 2013 signed legislation granting authority to the Delaware Commission of Veteran Affairs to establish and administer the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund. Separate legislation made Trust Fund contributions tax deductible.
“DSHA employees took time out of their busy schedules to contribute to the Delaware Veterans Trust Fund, which will provide help to veterans,” said Bill Farley, vice chairman of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs. “One hundred percent of that money raised will go to Delaware veterans, prevent homelessness and get veterans on a path to a stable life.”
Since early last year, DSHA has worked with the Commission of Veterans Affairs, other government partners and nonprofit service providers to lead Delaware’s effort to end and prevent veteran homelessness. Nearly 400 previously homeless veterans in Delaware have secured permanent housing since January 2015.
