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The Circle of Friends for American Veterans (COFAV) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to
influencing public opinion and affecting public policy in support of homeless veterans. Since 1993, we have
worked with veterans and homeless groups, policymakers at the local, state and national levels, foundations
and corporate partners, as well as individual supporters to address the plight of veterans left homeless and
secure the help they need.
Much Has Been Accomplished
COFAV has had a major impact on the issue of homeless veterans through focused, cost-effective programs. Just
a few key examples:
National distribution of our newsletter, Veterans' Vision, which has featured more than 100
original articles by Members of Congress, provides valuable information on a range of issues affecting homeless
veterans and highlights local transitional facilities and programs that deserve support.
Since 1993, COFAV has sponsored 150 forums/receptions with leaders from within our government to explain the
programs and policies they oversee and answer pertinent questions from the public. Speakers have included over
30 Members of Congress including: Senators Robert Bennett (R-UT), Jim Jeffords (I-VT) and then Senator Tim
Hutchinson (R-AR). From the Pentagon, over 30 Service and Assistant Service Secretaries, all appointed by the
President and confirmed by the United States Senate, have taken time from their harried schedules to share
insights into their role of supporting the national defense of the country.
COFAV played a key role in getting $1,000,000 appropriated through key Congressional
Committees, for transitional facilities.
Since 2001, COFAV has sponsored a series of 46 city rallies to highlight the issue of
homeless veterans called, "OPERATION UNITED REVEILLE I, II, III & IV." Rallies featured a color guard, elected officials
(including Members of Congress) and spotlighted a local transitional facility for homeless veterans. Through
the rallies and the massive media coverage generated, we brought the news to literally millions of Americans
about the solutions for homeless veterans, through the success of local veterans' facilities, which in turn
has brought the facilities more help all around.
The Path Forward
As noted above, reliable estimates indicate that 200,000 men and women who served in uniform are now homeless.
COFAV will not rest as long as there is a single homeless veteran. We believe that over the next three years,
with incremental enhancements to current programs, 150,000 veterans can be rescued from the streets and given
the support they need to reenter society. We will help to realize this goal by generating support for increased
funding in key areas:
25,000 more beds in the 300 non-profit transitional facilities across the United States
Job counseling, training and placement services
Medial care and physical therapy
Financial planning assistance
Increase Veterans Administration funding of direct support for homeless veterans from 1/10th
of one percent to one percent of their total budget.
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