Vet Beds Empowers Veterans with Housing and Support Services
Veterans face unique challenges when returning to civilian life, often including a lack of stable housing and support systems. Vet Beds, a nonprofit organization based in the Lehigh Valley, is working to change that. With the support of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s Fund for Racial Justice and Equity (FRJE) grant, Vet Beds provides independent living and supportive services for veterans through rapid rehousing and case management, helping them transition to permanent housing.
The organization is committed to providing veterans with the tools and resources to regain independence and stability. Through a 12-month program, veterans receive life skills training, including financial literacy, job placement assistance and family reunification support. By collaborating with local businesses like Walmart and B. Braun, Vet Beds helps veterans find employment, allowing them to rebuild their lives.
“Our goal is to provide a stable living environment for veterans while offering the life skills and support they need to achieve permanent housing,” said Brandon Yarber, CEO of Vet Beds. “We assess their needs, provide referrals and cover their expenses until they’re able to stand on their own.”
The FRJE grant has been instrumental in helping Vet Beds expand its programs and reach more veterans in need. The grant enabled Vet Beds to walk in the Veterans Day Parade in New York City, where the organization raised awareness of its mission by distributing flyers, shirts, and hats. This event allowed Vet Beds to connect with new partners and supporters, further expanding its reach and impact.
Another critical initiative supported by the grant is its Thanksgiving Meal Program, during which 13 turkeys were provided, and over 125 people were fed. The organization also hosted a coat drive in collaboration with B. Braun, which distributed over 120 coats, scarves and gloves to veterans and others in need during the cold winter months.
Running a nonprofit comes with challenges, particularly when balancing the organization’s mission with financial sustainability. The FRJE grant provided much-needed relief, allowing the organization to cover expenses that would otherwise come out of pocket.
“The grant allowed us to continue our work without the stress of wondering how we’d pay for a next meal or next coat,” said Brandon Yarber, CEO of Vet Beds.
Looking ahead, Vet Beds plans to expand its services, including launching a jacket drive for children in need. The organization also focuses on developing a Veterans Leadership Program, where veterans who have completed the program can serve on the board and help guide future initiatives. The nonprofit aims to expand from a 12-month program to a three-year process.
Yarber has a personal connection to the struggles that veterans face, having grown up in a household with a father who was a Korean War veteran.
“My dad never talked about the war, but his experiences shaped who he was. He didn’t have access to the resources Vet Beds provides, and I want to make sure that today’s veterans don’t face the same challenges he did,” said Yarber.
Through initiatives like the FRJE grant, the United Way and its partners support organizations like Vet Beds and invest in countless veterans’ futures. By providing housing, life skills, and community support, Vet Beds empowers veterans to rebuild their lives and find lasting stability.
The United Way awarded the following local organizations with grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 through the FRJE:
- Cohesion Network
- Epoch Tribe
- Financial Literacy Center of the Lehigh Valley
- Fine Feather Foundation Inc.
- Global Hope International
- Greater Community Development Corp.
- InnaStar
- Juneteenth Lehigh Valley
- Lycan Media
- LatinosARE
- Lehigh Valley Black Church Housing Alliance
- Light on the Horizon
- Mother2Mother Inc.
- Movement Moves Media
- Resurrected Community Development Inc.
- SELF!
- The Rilyc
- The Rising Sun Initiative
- The Thrive Hub Inc.
- Unidos Inc.
- Vet Beds
Grant funding is made possible thanks to partners and donors who directed their support to the Fund for Racial Justice and Equity, including PPL Foundation, Crayola, Behr, Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Truist, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way Women United.
