Celebrating 113 Years of Service
More than a century ago, Volunteers of America was founded by social reformers Ballington and Maud Booth as a national movement to help Americans in need. Volunteers of America began with a vision and promise to “go wherever we are needed and do whatever comes to hand.” That spiritual and social legacy has inspired our work and continues to this day with Volunteers of America celebrating 113 years of service.
Continuing to Help Those in Need
Volunteers of America Applauds President for Authorizing National Service Bill
The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act expands funding and other resources for programs that benefit older Americans and other vulnerable groups.
“President Obama has taken an important step in providing resources to organizations like Volunteers of America that further the mission of serving this nation’s most vulnerable people,” said Charles W. Gould, national president and chief executive officer of Volunteers of America. “Our efforts depend on a dedicated group of volunteers, and this act will help encourage many more to join our cause and help those in need. We call on members of Congress to authorize the funding needed to make these much-needed programs a reality.”
Sacramento City Council Votes to Fund Expanded Winter Shelter Season/Services to Provide Options for 'Tent City' Residents
 |
|
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson and California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger
|
The Sacramento City Council voted unanimously March 24 to close the American River homeless encampment known nation-wide as "Tent City" and move its estimated 200 residents to a combination of permanent and temporary shelters, including the Volunteers of America-operated Winter Shelter at Cal Expo.
The plan was announced by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mayor Kevin Johnson at a joint press conference held March 25 in front of the Winter Shelter. The plan includes provisions for sheltering couples, evening kenneling of Tent City residents' pets and storage for personal belongings.
Transportation to and from the shelter will also be expanded to accommodate the potential increase in shelter residency. A collaborative effort with the County of Sacramento, the Winter Shelter program for men, women and children provides clients shelter and two daily meals in a comfortable dorm-style environment. Accommodations inside the shelter include beds for 104 men and 50 women.
 |
| Oprah Winfrey Show correspondent Lisa Ling (left) and Volunteers of America's Winter Shelter residents in Sacramento, Calif. |
Volunteers of America Works to Prevent and End Homelessness for Individuals and Families
Volunteers of America works all across the nation to help homeless individuals and families overcome their current situation with a variety of services, ranging from temporary shelters to affordable permanent housing. More and more, situational homelessness caused by unemployment and foreclosure has become reality for many families that once lived stable, middle class lives. The Oprah Winfrey Show recently featured an interview with the Whitesides family, who are homeless and living temporarily in Volunteers of America’s Winter Shelter in Sacramento, Calif. MORE>
Volunteers of America Responds to the National Call to Service
The new Obama administration has been vocal in stressing the importance of national service and the role of organizations like Volunteers of America in providing services to society’s neediest citizens. No matter what your political affiliation, this is a common mission we can all share and work towards every day. The New Administration is calling on all Americans to do more than just offer a single day of service to their cities, towns and neighborhoods - they are asking all of us to make an ongoing commitment to our communities – something Volunteers of America has been doing for 113 years.