It seems there may always be homeless veterans but, an organization in Springfield is helping in its own way.
At any given time there are hundreds of homeless veterans on the streets in the city. A two year-old facility south of downtown Springfield provides a bed, food and, life-skills training to vets but are limited in what they can do. The Spring Street Veterans Renaissance Center is filled every night with 15 clients.
“We have had a waiting list since the day we opened our door,” says Executive Director Penny Harris. “They come, they leave and, there is always somebody else to fill the bed.”
Executive Director Penny Harris says residents learn to cook, budget and shop along with doing chores in the facility. She says she is always seeking donations for the transitional home and says anything you would use in your home is needed in the center.
The facility is located at 209 West Scarritt, (217) 528-0800.