Green Bay Packers Give Back announced today that the organization has awarded a $250,000 Veterans Impact Grant to the Center for Veterans Issues (CVI), a Milwaukee-based nonprofit that provides critical humanitarian services across 54 counties in Wisconsin to assist Veterans and their families who are currently homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless.
The Veterans Impact Grant will assist CVI with providing security deposits and monthly rent stipends, household furnishings, clothing, food vouchers, public transportation passes, gas gift cards, assistance with vehicle repairs, and mental wellness counseling sessions for individuals and families.
The impact grant continues the Packers' support for veterans' organizations and causes, which has taken many forms over the years. Packers players, alumni and staff frequently take part in visits to veterans hospitals and care facilities, home improvement projects for veterans in need and special events to recognize and express gratitude to those who have served. The team remains dedicated to showing appreciation through gameday activities, honor flights and donations, as well. The Veterans Impact Grant marks a new kind of support as the first impact grant of this magnitude that the organization has designated specifically for a veterans nonprofit.
"We are honored to contribute to the Center for Veterans Issues as they address critical needs in the Wisconsin veterans community," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "It is our responsibility as a society to continue supporting veterans who are facing a wide variety of challenges. The Packers are proud to be a part of the CVI's efforts to provide veterans and their families with the tools and resources to stay safe, healthy and sheltered."
CVI is the largest community-based veteran organization dedicated to ending homelessness for the nation's heroes, while providing new opportunities for them to sustain themselves with housing, employment and other social services programs. For over 31 years, CVI has been serving the needs of veterans in an effort to ensure that each veteran has the necessities they need to live comfortably and be active leaders in our communities.
"Partnering with the Green Bay Packers Give Back program will allow CVI to extend their services and provide our Veterans with immediate assistance," said CVI President/CEO Eduardo M. Garza, Jr. "This will help ensure their safety and basic needs are at the forefront, keeping them and their families off the streets and with a roof over their head."
The Veterans Impact Grant, combined with other Packers charity endeavors, contributes to a comprehensive Packers charity impact that was in excess of $9 million in the past year. Packers Give Back has distributed $3 million in impact grants so far this year, including those from the Packers Foundation, benefitting Wisconsin nonprofits who are directing the funds toward COVID-19 relief, social justice and other community needs.
