Community Corner

Operation Welcome You Home Working to Find Housing for Vietnam Veteran

The organization is accepting donations to help the veteran and his sister get back on their feet.

Operation Welcome You Home (OWYH) is working to find a home for a Vietnam veteran and his sister.

The Naperville-based organization provides “respectful, thoughtful, uplifting and joyous homecomings for all of our returning warriors and their families. The commitment we make is to provide a memorable, thankful, and honorable experience our Troops will never forget,” according to their mission statement. OWYH currently has a new mission: to find housing for a Vietnam veteran.

According to OWYH founder Donna Morsovillo, the organization found out about two veterans who had been living in an Aurora park. A marine in the area paid for several nights for them to stay at a hotel, but the OWYH is looking for a more permanent solution.

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“Where they’re staying right now the pricing is very, very high. They are at $1500 a month without even a stove or refrigerator,” said Morsovillo. She said the organization is looking into subsidized housing in the area.

Currently the group is helping a Vietnam vet and his disabled sister, said Morsovillo. The other veteran, from Desert Storm, was attacked in the park, said Morsovillo, and has run off. The organization has not heard from him since.

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The brother and sister pair, both in their mid-60s, owns a dog that OWYH is trying to keep with them. “The VA wants them to get rid of the dog, but we’re trying to find a different solution,” said Morsovillo.

The group sent out newsletters and emails to their subscribers, asking for help in funding housing as well as food and toiletries.

OWYH is accepting donations to help support them. “Giftcards or cash,” said Morsovillo. “Be sure to specify that you would like your donation to go to them.”

Donations can be made through OWYH’s website or through the mail.

 


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