What is COVO?

          COVO was founded in February 2005 when the widow of brother Vietnam Veterans Of America member William Groenendahl asked for memorials to him be sent to High Desert Chapter 820 Bend.  Based on the fragmentation and paucity of veteran's services and a concern for the plight of homeless veterans, COVO was established.  In the short time COVO has been in existence they have been awarded significant grants and have received awards from both the Oregon Coalition for Housing and Homeless and the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs.

What does COVO do?

COVO's main functions can be divided into the following categories:

OUTREACH 

   COVO's outreach team searches the far reaches of Central Oregon for Homeless Camps to identify veterans.  They provide food, blankets, sleeping bags, tents and furnishings to make their lives more comfortable in the field.  By gaining the trust of the homeless vets, outreach team members are able to talk some into returning to a homeless or other shelter.   For those veterans who are substance abusers they offer the possibility of detoxification and rehabilitation.  COVO is justifiably proud of the number of individuals we have gotten into treatment.

One of the many homeless camps in Central Oregon

ADVOCACY  

Many people think that veterans’ benefits are automatic.  Only veterans know that obtaining benefits for veterans can be tantamount to climbing a mountain on crutches.  We are attempting to obtain benefits for veterans as far back as WWII.  We find housing for the homeless, obtain discharge upgrades, apply for benefits from both the Veterans Administration and Social Security Administration. We are also able to obtain documentation for proof of medals and awards the veteran didn't receive, get veterans enrolled for VA Healthcare and obtain admission to detoxification and rehabilitation facilities.

TRANSITIONAL HOUSING  

The "Home of the Brave" was opened by COVO in December 2006.  It is a home for homeless veterans to get the education and job skills necessary for them to live independently on their own.  We anticipate them living in the house for 18 to 24 months or until they can become self-sustainable.

COMMUNITY  

COVO board members are members of the Central Oregon Veterans Council, Central Oregon Homeless leadership council, the Oregon Coalition for Housing and the Homeless and the Bend Chamber of Commerce, the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans and are supporters of the  The Soldier Support Foundation.

Are you a Volunteer?  Please see the volunteer page for information on COVO's needs.

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