WISHING WELL, INC.

An overview of the Problem:  While the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness has been declining over the past two years, 107,000 former service men and women were homeless on a given night in 2009 as estimated by the VA. Sixty-one percent of homeless Veterans are between ages 35 and 54. Though 96 percent of homeless Veterans are male, the number of female Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans experiencing homelessness is increasing as is the number of homeless Veterans who have dependent children. In general, Veterans have high rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injury, and sexual trauma, which can lead to higher risk for homelessness. About half of homeless Veterans have serious mental illness and 70 percent have substance abuse problems. Half of homeless Veterans have histories of involvement with the legal system. Veterans are more likely to live outdoors - unsheltered - and experience long-term, chronic homelessness. (http://www.usich.gov/)

Wishing Well's purpose is to be an effective source of help for homeless veterans and veterans challenged with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol and substance use and related disorders and their families.  We offer solutions and preventative measures to assist with the rehabilitation and reintegration of these veterans, providing the fundamentals necessary for productive living and overall well-being. 

Current Services

Operation Warm Hearts

This outreach initiative brings as much warmth and comfort to the area’s homeless veterans as possible through distribution of  clothes, sleeping bags, blankets, coats, scarves and other items and information kits.  On cold nights, our outreach team also ensures safe retrieval of vets from street corners or other unsuitable places.

Veterans Forever Soldiers “At-Ease” Service Center

VFS At-Ease is a primary portal linking veterans with the support they need through telephone referral and workshops.  

Future Services

VFS At-Ease – Expansion

With Maryland's homeless veterans count already in the thousands, and in anticipation of many homecoming veterans who will need specialized attention, it is imperative to have systems in place that can effectively deliver quality services to meet their needs.  The expansion of VFS At-Ease will enable us to deliver direct services.  The Organization seeks community partners to assist in establishing an ideal, centralized location where our homeless veterans, and those at risk of becoming homeless, can enter and receive a degree of comfort during the day.  Supportive services such as crisis intervention counseling and peer support, food pantry/warm meal, personal hygiene kits are some of the services to be offered. 

Mission H.O.M.E., USA

Mission H.O.M.E., USA is designed specifically to meet the needs of homeless veterans and veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress.  The program will provide for, as well as go beyond their immediate needs to address the root of the problem and offer solutions that involve the rehabilitation, reintegration and acceptance of these individuals into society. Veterans will move from the entrapment of posttraumatic stress and homelessness to the freedom of joyful and sober living, stable employment and permanent housing.  The passion of our work is present in our acronym H.O.M.E. - Helpful Opportunities for Meaningful Existence.

Family Preservation

To be of total support, any system of care must involve veterans and their families.  Our Family Preservation program will deliver a family-centered approach to finding solutions to the very complex challenges faced after separation from service.  Many times these challenges begin at the immediate pre-deployment phase and during a spouse’s tour in combat region.  Therefore, our Family Preservation program focuses on the pre- (immediately prior to departure), during- (family’s coping mechanisms) and post- (returning home) combat service.  We have designed a holistic-based program that aims to preserve the harmonious unit of the family.

“I asked, what can I do for my country? Now I MUST ask, what can my country do for me?”