CAPE ELIZABETH – The Rotary Club of South Portland/Cape Elizabeth is partnering with the Veterans Affairs Maine Healthcare System (VA Maine HCS) to help address the problem of homelessness among veterans.

At any given time, there are almost 1,000 homeless people in Maine and, of that number, approximately 12 percent are veterans suffering from lack of a place to live and other basic necessities. In 2011 emergency shelter was provided to 535 homeless Maine veterans.

The needs are many, including shelter, food, transportation (to medical appointments, etc.), beds and more. They also need cleaning supplies, dishes, shower curtains, sheets & blankets, toiletry items, pots/pans and other items needed to turn a new apartment into a home. Although VA Maine HCS provides critical services such as medical, psychiatric and addiction treatment, community support of dental (a limited VA benefit) and legal assistance would significantly benefit many of Maine’s homeless veterans, according to the Rotary.

VA Maine HSC provides funding for two, two-year transitional housing programs, which would welcome assistance with repair work, volunteer drivers, painting and other means of support. VA Maine HCS sponsors a one-day event each year called a “Homeless Stand Down,” where homeless Maine veterans can get medical/dental screenings, legal advice, employment and housing services, community referrals, haircuts, new warm clothing, blankets and other needed items and resources to assist in ending their homelessness.

Non-Rotarians are also being asked to contribute cash, supplies, talent or labor. Contact either Rotary president Bob Flynn at [email protected] or VA Transitional Housing Liaison Susan Whittington, at 623-8411, ext. 4344, or [email protected].

Susan Whittington, left, VA liaison for the homeless veterans program, spoke about the many needs of homeless veterans with the Rotary Club of South Portland/Cape Elizabeth. Rotary president Bob Flynn is at right.