American Legion Post 283 West LA VA Homeless Support Initiative

Post 283 Finance Officer Todd Hickman, American Legion Department of CA Chair of gaming efforts Andre Andrews, and former 283 Vice Commander and Department of CA Mental Health Committee Chair Tess Banko handed out much-needed supplies to formerly unsheltered and disadvantaged veterans (including those in permanent supportive housing and transitional programs) at the West LA VA during the weekly Bunker Social peer support event. Bunker Social takes place every Monday at the West Los Angeles Veteran Affairs building 306, and is a partnered neighborhood gathering of community Veterans that incorporates a hot meal, camaraderie, resources including VA and community referrals, fresh produce and pet supplies, trained Veteran and family Peer Support specialists through the Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN), benefits assistance through Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and even a Veteran band supported by Westwood Rotary's Music Mends Minds program. 

Typically Post 283 supports community efforts philanthropically via providing cash to support organizations, versus through direct volunteer action; but Post 283 hopes to continue to cultivate Post direct volunteerism. At Bunker, Todd, Andre and Tess handed out socks, soap, shampoo, dental supplies and snack items directly to Veteran attendees in need. This brought many smiles, and hope to Veterans that brothers and sisters in arms care about their struggles and hardships. Even a small item given with a lot of love goes a long way, especially in bringing formerly unsheltered Veterans home. 

Andre Andrews has long been an advocate serving unsheltered Veterans, arranging food (such as the Burrito Project that he championed) and water drops as part of the Post Z initiative.

Tess Banko has been working with military and Veteran families for over 15 years and continues to help lead human services efforts for Post 283. She has been a champion of the disadvantage and unsheltered Veterans on the West LA VA campus for 9 years, as well as a woman leader of the Post 283 team for over 6 years.

Todd Hickman purchased the supplies and has a heart for the support of direct service to all Veterans and families. He has been in Post leadership for 11 years.