By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE – A local charity, Housing Outreach Ministries, is asking for help from the community in its efforts to provide affordable, independent living options for displaced war veterans in the River Parishes.

The program is based in St. Charles Parish but is currently

working to expand services to all three parishes. Director Lisa Carey of Lisa Carey Realty said the program offers veterans a

unique chance to regain their footing in society with the help of a shared living situation, much different from a VFW hall or veterans’ home.

The program’s website states there are 1,200 to 2,800 homeless veterans in the New Orleans area and that nationally veterans make up 23 percent of the homeless population.

“We see these homeless veterans and the elderly pushing their carts or wheelchairs around,” said Carey. “We want to help them with safe community-based affordable housing and get them permanently placed.”

Carey has enlisted the help of former Saints player Tyrone Hughes and Saints player Roman Harper to endorse Housing Outreach Ministries. The program provides more than just housing, as veterans are linked to intensive case management, support services and treatment. The program works with veterans individually to help them develop a plan to put their lives back together.

Carey said that all types of housing materials, appliances and services are needed, including paint, sheetrock, shingles, plumbing work, bathtubs, toilets, stoves and refrigerators. Monetary donations are accepted as well.

For more information about the program, visit http://veteranshousingoutreach.webs.com.