Indian River Colony Club Foundation Provides $5,000 Grant to Aid Veteran Homelessness

By  //  August 17, 2022

indian River Colony Club community is a dedicated supporter of veterans' causes

The Indian River Colony Club Foundation presented a $5,000 grant to National Veterans Homeless Support, which helps homeless veterans in Central Florida. Above, left to right, are George Taylor, Jr., NVHS President/Chairman; Jerry Gill, IRCC Foundation President, Jennifer Taylor, NVHS COO; and Brian Whalen, IRCC Foundation Board Member. (IRCC image)

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – No veteran should be without a place to call home. In Central Florida, the National Veterans Homeless Support organization is taking aim at veteran homelessness and the Indian River Colony Club Foundation has stepped up to help.

The Indian River Colony Club Foundation, the charitable arm of the 55+ Viera golf community of military veterans, recently provided a grant of $5,000 to help ease veteran homelessness.

The summer donation benefits the National Veterans Homeless Support, a not-for-profit organization whose singular mission is to eliminate homelessness among veterans in Central Florida.

Veterans Administration researchers have found that veterans have many of the same major risk factors for homelessness as other adults, particularly substance abuse, severe mental illness, and low income.

NVHS tackles homelessness directly where it exists, finding clients through street-level outreach.

The group provides homeless vets with the basics to ensure their survival while building rapport and connecting them to a network of organizations – rapidly moving them from homeless to housed.

The Indian River Colony Club is largely comprised of military veterans, well known for their volunteerism and philanthropy.

The ongoing practice of donating to an assortment of veterans’ causes and charities embodies the community motto of “service to those who served.”

Jerry Gill, IRCC Foundation President, was impressed with the accomplishments of National Veterans Homeless Support, and their ongoing efforts to find housing for homeless vets and to proactively keep at-risk veterans from becoming homeless.

“Members of our Foundation have firsthand knowledge of the effectiveness of NVHS and were gratified when the Foundation decided to award this grant,” said Gill.

“Our donation will go directly to support homeless or low-income veterans and their families in critical need in Brevard County.”

Foundation Board Member, Brian Whalen had additional kudos for the organization, as over 91% of funds donated to NVHS directly support their programs.

“Their Gold GuideStar rating and their perfect “Give with Confidence Rating” on Charity Navigator, reinforced our decision to approve their grant request,” said Whalen. “It’s important to our donors that we help organizations that not only assist veterans but who also have a track record as good stewards.”

The Indian River Colony Club community of nearly 800 homes is a dedicated supporter of veterans’ causes.

In 2019, they were presented with the Outstanding Military Service Award by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, for their ongoing efforts on behalf of veterans.

Viera’s very first neighborhood, Indian River Colony Club is known as “The Place Patriots Call Home.”

A haven for military veterans, the par-72 private golf course community has a patriotic culture and country club amenities for active adults aged 55 and over.

Residents have dedicated their lives to military service and continue their efforts in retirement, with a host of ongoing efforts for the betterment of Brevard County veterans and the regional military community.

For more information about the Indian River Colony Club, call 321-255-6000 or visit ColonyClub.com.

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