About Houses for Warriors
Supporting those who have served
ABOUT US
Our Troops put their lives on the line to ensure that we can live comfortably each day. It’s called the “Service” for a reason; these brave people are incredibly selfless, as the effects of serving are no small feat. They deserve proper resources to assimilate to the lives they once knew once their Service ends. Therefore, we have created a veteran-ran holistic program that gives our Warriors ample resources and structure so they can thrive post-Service. Life-changing success and spiritual awakening are more than possible when Warriors are granted the structure they need to achieve them.
OUR MISSION
We help, guide, and direct homeless and at-risk military veterans into self-sufficient status while providing a safe, caring and loving environment. We believe that every Warrior deserves a Hand-Up so they are more equipped to handle modern society’s fast-paced lifestyle. Growth is possible at any age, any stage of life, and for any life path. Warriors have spent their whole lives Serving, so now it is time for them to be given a place to transform their lives.
VISION
Improper care for our military veterans contributes to current economic and sociopolitical crises such as homelessness, mental health issues, and poverty. People often express respect for our Troops, but few places like Houses For Warriors exist to completely devote their resources to Warrior enrichment. Therefore, we offer a Program that creates self-sufficient, successful, productive, and functional members of society. In an ideal world, every Warrior would be cared for and assisted so they can reach their fullest potential. We have created the space that makes this idea a reality.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
WHAT WE DO
The Warrior House Program (WHP) creates a positive, professional environment that helps Warriors feel safe, secure, and have their needs met. Each of our loving staff and volunteers are completely devoted to supporting our Warriors in their personal development and achieving their goals, with respect and dignity. Every single member of our staff goes above and beyond for our Warriors, creating a lasting impact on their perception of socialization. We want to remind Warriors of the beauty that is found within interpersonal connections. The WHP enables emotional stability and physical health through a comprehensive Program that encourages spiritual awakening.
We provide:
- Personal Development Classes
- Assigned Mentor
- Bed, Bedding, Pillow
- Food
- Clothing vouchers
- Help with benefits applications
- transportation (when available)
- Toiletries
- In-house gym equipment
- Commercial internet
- House computer/printer
- Financial/budgeting workshops
- Resume writing/job assistance
- Volunteer opportunities
- A Team that loves and appreciates you for your sacrifices for our Country
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” ~John F. Kennedy
WHAT IS A HAND UP?
A strong community requires a strong foundation. Groups of Warriors are strong individuals, but they are even stronger together. Providing them with the resources they need for life-changing success heightens their chances for avoiding homelessness, overcoming mental health struggles, and re-assimilating as a high-functioning member of society. A hand-up is a resource, such as a program or class, that paves the way for Warriors’ seamless transition after their Service ends.
STATISTICS
- 40% of all veteran suicides experienced homelessness according to VA Suicide Prevention Roundtable Report of 2019
- 22 veterans commit suicide every day since 2009
- 2019, Yale Study showed Veterans are 5-times more likely to commit suicide if they experience homelessness, 3 times more than any other demographics
“Homeless and at-risk veterans need more than just shelter. We must give them the tools to empower themselves and reclaim the self-worth and dignity which comes from occupying a place in the American dream. It is a dream they fought so hard to defend for the rest of us.”
***Maria Cuomo Cole is a homelessness advocate and film producer.
About the FOunder and CEO
Meet Andrew
Andrew Canales is the founder and CEO of Houses For Warriors, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in the supporting homeless and injured veterans with obtaining benefits, transitional housing and transformational growth and development to lead fulfilling lives.
Andrew served 6 years in the United States Air Force and volunteered for two combat tours in Iraq totaling 23 months overseas. During 2007, Andrew survived a rocket attack that killed 10 people and injured over 70 while working as a Prison Guard at a detainment facility in South Iraq. He was soon diagnosed with PTSD and started his journey to becoming the man he is today.
With Houses for Warriors, Andrew coordinates with business owners, donors, community leaders, and volunteers across the country to create strategic partnerships and opportunities that serve our veterans and those involved. His main goal is to improve the quality of life for every veteran who is struggling and end veteran homelessness in the United States.
About the Vice-President aand Executive Secretary
Meet LaShae
Eva LaShae Rock is the Vice President of Houses For Warriors. Ms. Rock assists in the acquisition of real estate and manages the set up of the rental housing offered by Houses For Warriors. Ms. Rock has been a successful hair stylist for over 30 years and has owned and operated a hair salon for 16 of those years and continues to serve her community with style. Her background and struggle as a single mother of two, drives her service of others. As a mother of a veteran who wrestled with returning from duty with severe PTSD and struggled to obtain benefits, her passion is helping other veterans find affordable housing, rehabilitation and vocational training they deserve and need. In her spare time, Ms. Rock enjoys movies and crafts with friends and rafting white water rapids.
About the Chief of development and Warrior Relations Manager
Meet Connie
Connie is on the Board of Directors of Houses for Warriors and volunteers in various other capacities with this phenomenal organization for which she is very passionate about. She describes her involvement as the most rewarding of her life behind her role as a wife and mother. She retired in 2019 after serving nearly 26 years in the Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant and another nearly 18 years as a Civil Servant. After leaving the Air Force, Connie began her civilian career with the Veterans Administration as the Labor Relations Officer before finishing her last 10 years of her Federal civilian career at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) serving in various positions including the Flight Chief and Civilian Personnel Officer responsible for over 1400 civilians. She prided herself in building a dream team from scratch with primary emphasis of her staff being customer service focused. She always remarked that human resources can be learned but customer service is an art for which comes naturally or is ingrained. Her focus on customer service is what trademarked her tenure at USAFA. She is the proud wife of Woody who had an outstanding career in the medical device manufacturing business, starting his own local medical company, and after 40 years helping to build a company that was known worldwide for the quality of their products. They have three grown children, Travis, Tiffany, and Eric and three great-grandchildren. Besides being involved with her children and grandchildren, she enjoys biking, hiking, pickleball, water aerobics and reading and traveling.
https://www.archives.gov/personnel-records-center/civilian-non-archival
Connie can be reached via email at: Connie@HousesForWarriors.org
About the Program Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator
Meet Stacey
Stacey Hodges is our Program Administrator and Food Program Coordinator. As a leading member of our Warrior Relations Team she is directly involved in the every-day tasks associated with running our program and assisting our Warriors in whatever ways she can. She manages the volunteer cooking program and assists in other volunteer opportunities within the organization. The program administrator is the glue that holds the program together by managing our Warrior House and is the link between our House Manager and Program Director (CEO). Stacey plays a significant role by securing our food through “In-Kind” donor relations and connecting with our food partners; this ensures our Warriors stay fed and healthy during their stay. She wants every veteran in our program to feel at home there and like family.
Stacey is a former occupational therapist and mom to 3 wonderful kids—Nate, AJ and Samantha. When she’s not working for Houses for Warriors she enjoys cooking, gardening, travel and pottery.
