Mercy’s Refuge. An East Texas non-profit organization is planning a tiny village all in the name of helping homeless military veterans.

FrankieZed Studio always is excited to support worthwhile causes and the Mercy Refuge for Homeless Veterans is a very worthy cause.

Mercy’s Refuge will be a master planned tiny home working community with many amenities.  While the tiny homes will be permanent housing for homeless veterans, the community resource center will be available for all military veterans.  Mercy’s Refuge will be located in Smith County, Texas.  Mercy’s Refuge builds a bridge for military veterans to reach the resources they need.

REASONS FOR VETERANS HOMELESSNESS

  • Moved to Seek Work
  • Addiction
  • Incarceration
  • Other
  • Evicted Within Past Week
  • Domestic Violence
  • Divorce
  • Physical/Mental Disabilities
  • Unable to Pay Rent/Mortgage
  • Unemployment

NEEDS OF THE VETERANS HOMELESS POPULATION

  • Basic Needs
  • Transportation
  • Job Training & Placement
  • Food Stamps
  • Case Management
  • Veterans Benefits

According to the ETHNN: these are the areas of greatest need

Education

  • Indicator:            22% have less than a high school education.
  • Need:                 Acquiring a GED was identified as the top need.

Employment

  • Indicator:            25% are unemployed.
  • Need:                  Developing computer skills was identified as the top need, followed closely by career and job training and resume writing.

Healthcare

  • Indicator:            39% have no healthcare coverage.
  • Need:                  Dental care and eye/vision care were identified as the top two healthcare needs.

In addition, treatment for depression and anxiety were identified as their top mental health needs.
Housing

  • Indicator:            18% percent are experiencing homelessness with an additional 8% at risk of becoming homeless.
  • Need:                   Affordable housing was identified as the top housing need.

Transportation

  • Indicator:            31% percent do not have a vehicle.
  • Need:                  Getting a driver’s license was identified as the top transportation need.

All indicators combined:
12% of all those interviewed reported facing all five indicators combined: No high school diploma or GED, unemployed, no healthcare coverage, experiencing homelessness, and without a form of transportation.

The top ten overall needs quantified by the Smith County CCNA are:
1.      Dental Care
2.      Eye/Vision Care
3.      Achieving a Living Wage of Income
4.      Health Insurance
5.      Computer Skills
6.      Credit Repair
7.      Money for Prescription Medication
8.      Have Past Due Bills
9.      Resume Writing
10.   General Medical Care