Titusville, Fla. - Facing record low temperatures and with shelter beds full, a group of volunteers, led by George Taylor, president of National Veterans Homeless Support, Inc. (NVHS) and assisted by Stephanie Haridopolos, M.D., wife of incoming Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos, rescued 24 homeless war veterans from the streets and parks and are now housing them at a Super 8 Motel in Titusville.
There are between 800-1,200 homeless veterans in Brevard County alone; about 4,500 homeless veterans in Central Florida and available temporary housing is extremely limited.
Thanks to help from volunteers, the group has provided them food, beds and a warm place to sleep while the temperature is at freezing.
George Taylor, president and founder of NVHS and Dr. Haridopolos, on the board of directors of Women Reaching Women, which is actively involved in helping veterans with traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress disorder, will be joined by veterans who are homeless at a news conference to be held Sunday, January 10, 2010 in Titusville.
HOMELESS VETERANS NEWS CONFERENCE
When: Sunday, January 10, 2010
Time: 4:00pm
Where:
Super 8 Motel
3480 Garden Street
Titusville, FL. 32796
321-269-9310
I-95, exit 220
Who:
-George Taylor, President and Founder of NVHS
-Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos, physician, wife of incoming Senate President Mike Haridopolos
-Veterans who are now homeless
Resources:
National Veterans Homeless Support, Inc.
http://www.nvhs.us
Facts from NVHS:
• Over 4,500 Homeless Veterans live in the forests and parks throughout Central Florida.
• Available temporary housing for homeless Veterans is extremely limited.
• 45% of homeless Veterans suffer from mental illness, including Post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and slightly more than 70% of homeless Veterans self medicate, creating alcohol and other drug abuse problems.
• Homeless shelter facilities are often at maximum capacity and provide little to no additional support or options.
• Without a physical address it is virtually impossible for our Veterans to apply for and receive any government aid, which they need to get necessary medical and mental treatment.
• Many homeless Veterans do not even know they qualify for benefits.
• Housing is in the top ten of unmet needs identified by homeless Veterans, the VA, and community providers.
Media Contact for Dr. Stephanie Haridopolos:
Glenn Selig
PR Firm: The Publicity Agency
Mobile: (813) 300-5454
Email: glenn@thepublicityagency.com(BlackBerry)
For NVHS:
Beth McKenzie, Media Agent
Phone: 866-966-8569
Email: Marketing@NVHS.us
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