A veteran and volunteer with the Veterans Restoration Quarters in Asheville, Rick Fletcher shared information on the founding and daily operations of a unique living community for the country’s homeless veterans.

The VRQ provides housing, food, counseling and resources to help 250 homeless veterans who sign a “contract for success” get their lives in order, reconnect with family, find work and purpose.

VRQ addresses stability, personal skill building, educational and training opportunities. Fletcher said most vets living at VRQ served in Iran or Afghanistan, and suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder.

While nearly 1,500 people volunteer at VRQ to provide care, food and support for the 250 vets who live at VRQ, volunteers are welcome and needed.

Supported by the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, the comprehensive residential program in Asheville is the third largest homeless veterans shelter in the U.S., which has about 40,000 homeless veterans.

Fletcher was the guest speaker during the recent meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Tryon. Dick Belthoff sponsored the June 13 program.

For more information about VRQ, people may visit abccm.org/veterans-restoration-quarters.

For more information about the Kiwanis Club of Tryon, visit tryonkiwanisclub.com.

-Submitted by

Kathy Woodham