The Guardians Foundation saves lives!
The Guardians Foundation was founded by Michael Shaw, a SSG in the Idaho National Guard, while he was deployed and serving in Baghdad, Iraq. He had a vision to create an organization made up of veterans who have served our nation in war to reach out and provide aid to, not only other veterans, but their families as well - for the sacrifices of service are not limited to only those who serve.
OUR MISSION: Utilizing resources within our communities, we reach out to veterans and their families to bring comfort, offer hope, and provide immediate assistance using fluid and effective methods. With an empathetic and passionate staff, we take ownership of, and strive to resolve, core issues facing our honored veterans.
The Guardians Foundation is driven by a hardworking and dedicated volunteer staff. They are committed to providing positive, lasting, change in the lives of veterans within our communities. Our volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and have gained tremendous experience in working with community leaders to involve them in our passion. We need your help. We need funding to continue to provide the programs that our veterans need to improve their lives. We are a privately funded organization and receive no funds from the government. By donating to The Guardians Foundation you will make a lasting, positive change in the life of a veteran. Thank you for your support.
Homelessness Among Veterans
“Soldiers are returning with higher rates of injury, after multiple deployments, resulting in severe economic hardships,” says John Driscoll, president and chief executive officer of the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. For both male and female veterans, PTSD is linked to an increased risk of depression and substance abuse, which exacerbate social isolation and make employment difficult.
The economic downturn and high unemployment rates add to the challenges these soldiers face on returning from active duty. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that among veterans aged 18 to 24, the unemployment rate is much higher — 30.2 percent.
All of these factors contribute to an increased risk of homelessness for returning veterans, even though they have higher education levels (62 percent of veterans over the age of 25 have at least some college compared with 56.4 percent of non-veterans) and higher median incomes compared with the general population. Female veterans and younger veterans are more than twice as likely to be homeless as their non-veteran counterparts. According to HUD’s 2011 Point-in-Time (PIT) Estimates of Homelessness, veterans constitute 14 percent of the homeless population, although they represent only 10 percent of the U.S. adult population. This PIT count documented 67,495 homeless veterans on a single night in January, a number that is 12 percent lower than a year earlier - due to the efforts of organizations such as ours. Throughout the entire year that ended in September 2010, nearly 145,000 veterans were homeless for at least one night.
"...many homeless in the streets of our cities are veterans who have, for one reason or another, fallen through the cracks."
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, the “VA is committed to ending Veteran homelessness by the end of 2015.” But, these men and women, who sacrificed the comforts and joys of home and risked their lives for our country, need shelter NOW!
The Guardians Foundation, Inc. - Guardians of American Veterans - is a nonprofit 501c3 public charity that assists military veterans and their families with food, shelter, clothing, household items, educational/job opportunities, and unexpected expenses.
Programs & Services
Veterans can face unique physical, emotional, and financial challenges related to their service.
Some of these challenges can lead to difficulty finding or keeping a home.
Having a safe, stable place to call home can give veterans a much needed foundation to get back on their feet.
Shelter
If you are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or know of someone who is, please complete the Request for Assistance form. We have facilities within the Inland Northwest and partnerships with like-minded organizations.
Funds for Emergencies
& Unexpected Expenses
We've helped countless veterans with rent, deposits, application fees, utilities, prescriptions, transportation, phones, vehicle repairs, etc. It just takes one unexpected expense that can spiral an individual into homelessness.
Educational & Job Opportunities
If you are a veteran on a pathway to employment, The Guardians Foundation has been extremely successful in placing and guiding individuals to employment and apprenticeships that best match their individual skill sets.
Outdoor Sporstmanship Program
We are blessed in this part of the country to be able to engage in many outdoor activities. Three times a year we schedule for groups of veterans who wish to participate in these outdoor activities, hiking, biking, and boating.
