The Kissimmee Civic Center was buzzing with activity, and even a little bit of live rock and rhythm and blues music, on Saturday, June 11, as Osceola veterans were welcomed and received a variety of services, information, and food.
The event was organized by the Mercy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that seeks to “serve the underserved” in the Osceola and south Orange County area.
The event was the kick-off for the Foundation’s Homeless Veterans Program, which seeks to identify homeless veterans and provide communications capability to obtain benefits. Over 30 community and government agencies and employers participated in the events.
Services ranged from showers and fresh clothing for homeless veterans to detailed information on addiction programs to onsite employment information and applications with Disney, the Osceola County Sheriff’s office, and the Kissimmee Police Department. Representatives from the Orlando area Department of Veterans Affairs were also available during the fair.
Overall, there were 84 registrants, 43 of which were veterans, including three veterans who identified themselves as homeless, with 31 volunteers assisting during the event. No one in need was turned away.
For more information, please see http://www.mercyfoundationusa.org.
Story and photos by Terry Lloyd
