VOACC Contact: Nicholle Granger
ngranger@voaches.org
DECEMBER 6, 2023 | Durham, NC
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas is excited to share that today the Raleigh Elks Lodge #735 donated and delivered Christmas trees to 10 of veterans living at our Maple Court Veteran Apartments in Durham, NC. This partnership comes as a wonderful surprise that will bring joy to our formerly homeless veterans who would otherwise be without personal trees this year.
The Raleigh Elks Lodge #735 delivered fresh Christmas trees to our Maple Court Veteran Apartment program. In addition to providing different community amenities, the Elks Lodge invests in their community through programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free, by undertaking projects that address unmet needs, and by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans.
Using a Housing First approach, the Maple Court Veteran Apartments has been providing 24 single veteran apartments, personalized supportive services to ensure housing stability, community integration and independence for veterans most in need since 2009. Having community partners like the Raleigh Elks Lodge #735 helps to create a comfortable and supported environment where vulnerable veterans can thrive.
“Our motto is: As long as there are Veterans, the Elks will never forget them. The donation of these Christmas trees is but one example of our dedication.”
-Gary Bush, President, Raleigh Elks Lodge #735
“It was a wonderful thing, it’s a beautiful tree. I got my grandkids coming over and they’re going to definitely enjoy it. Thank you!”
-Larry Lee, Maple Court Veteran Apartments Resident
“I’d like to thank Dennis Wofford and his fellow Elks Lodge members for their consideration and diligence with supplying our veterans with Christmas trees. They’re a great group of guys. The veterans were very appreciative, and excited to decorate their trees..”
– Terrance Phipps, Resident Manager, Maple Court Veteran Apartments
Funded by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Durham County Department of Veteran Services, Maple Court provides crucial support for veterans facing chronic homelessness and complex challenges such as mental health and substance use disorders (SUD), and poverty. Veteran housing is subsidized through HUD.
Maple Court uses a trauma-informed and whole-person approach to ensure the long-term success of veterans within the program. Services offered include personalized case management, employment support, and ministry support. Veterans are also seamlessly connected with the Durham VA Medical Center services; the Durham County Department of Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, and Developmental Services; and other partners.
To learn more about the Maple Court Apartments, visit www.voachesapeake.org/maple-court.
About Raleigh Elks Lodge #735
The Raleigh Elks Lodge is one of about 2,000 Lodges across the United States, with approximately 1 million current members. They are a very patriotic organization and hold many events to assist and honor our veterans as well as active-duty troops.
To learn more about the Raleigh Elks Lodge, visit https://raleighelkslodge.wixsite.com/raleighelkslodge.
About Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas
Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas (“VOACC”) is a faith-based, nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire self-reliance, dignity, and hope through housing, health and human services.
At VOACC, we have been helping to create Healthy Communities for All for over 127 years by aligning housing, health and human services. We actively pursue health equity by filling the gap in housing and care for underserved populations, including those who are experiencing homelessness, low-income, underinsured or uninsured, justice-involved and veterans. By offering integrated housing and care, we address the social determinants that impact the long-term stability for those in need.
Through a dedicated team of management, staff and volunteers who are guided by our Core Values – Visionary, One Body, Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Faith – we are the safety net for thousands of men, women and children each year across Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and the Carolinas. We operate over 49 programs focused on 8 areas of service: homeless services, affordable housing, mental health, substance use recovery, intellectual/developmental disabilities services, community re-entry, veteran services and workforce development.
VOACC has over 900 staff members and more than 2,000 volunteers. The organization helps over 10,600 individuals and families every year from Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia and the Carolinas. For more information on VOACC, please visit www.voachesapeake.org.