By CC Carmack
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – In the course of their service, most military personnel find themselves sleeping in less than perfect conditions. Sadly, once out of the military too many veterans face even worse conditions due to homelessness. It is estimated that in Tennessee, more than 2,800 veterans are homeless on any given night.
This holiday season a local church is partnering with a veterans group to help raise money to bring some of those homeless soldiers off the streets, and you can help just by doing some holiday shopping.
Sango United Methodist Church is hosting a Christmas Sale with the Building Lives Foundation. The warehouse sale is in Midtown Village on Madison Street, near Kroger. All new items are for sale at prices discounted up to 80% off. As you stroll through the aisles you’ll see stuffed animals, toys, Christmas decorations, kitchen gadgets, jewelry, stocking stuffers, and gift wrap galore. Many items are priced at just $1.50.
Proceeds from the sale will go toward placing Clarksville area homeless veterans and their families in affordable homes. Once in a home, veterans receive an “apartment package” free of charge that includes things like towels, bedding, dishes, etc., as well as furniture. Additional assistance offered by the Building Lives Foundation includes job counseling and placement services, help getting an automobile, and other needed counseling.
The Building Lives Foundation to date has placed more than 400 homeless veterans in homes. Of the proceeds raised from warehouse sales like the one here, 95% of the sales go directly to the individuals served. For more information on No Veteran Left Behind and The Building Lives Foundation, go to http://wearebuildinglives.org/wearebuildinglives.