Fayette’s Veterans Billeting program takes homeless veterans off the streets
When Ron Metros’ uncle returned from serving in Korea, he watched him struggle with his return to civilian life.
“How much demand do we have for a machine gunner here? So many positions in the military aren’t applicable to civilian jobs,” Metros said. “It’s like going from A to Z as far as the world goes, and they all have a pretty tough time transitioning.
For some veterans, the difficulties can lead to homelessness, something Metros noticed was happening in Fayette County.
Nine years ago, he started United Veterans Billeting of Fayette County in hopes of bringing those numbers down. Billeting is a military term for a place of rest and relaxation and that’s just what Metros is aiming for.
“Psychologists that deal with this kind of thing agree that a home setting is the best start for (veterans). We just want to get them back into a spot in society where they feel good about themselves again,” Metros said.
The home for veterans is a place where they can begin to establish permanency.
“We’re not a flophouse. We don’t give them a bed for the night and kick them out in the morning. We have a living facility; a house that’s been totally remodeled and they stay with us while we work together to find jobs and living arrangements,” Metros said. “It’s a hand up, not a hand out, and it’s been working.”
Metros estimates the nonprofit has a 65% success rate. They’ve assisted men in their early 30’s to those in their mid-80’s, and just this fall, opened a second home for women and children.
“If you’re a woman and homeless, you end up in a shelter, and your kids end up in foster care. We set this home up to accommodate the mother and children to stay together. I think we’re the first county in the state of Pennsylvania to offer a men, women and children veterans program,” Metros said.
The reasons the veterans are homeless are many.
Some may have a substance abuse or alcohol addiction, and Metros gets them to the VA programs for help. Some lost their home in a fire and others were evicted or foreclosed on when they couldn’t pay their rent or mortgage.
Living at the Veterans Billeting home provides residents a roof over their head, food, clothing and a computer. It costs them nothing, but the program depends on the donations of others.
“We’re paying the utilities. We maintain the home and provide everything they need. Those bills aren’t going to stop, so financial donations are the best way to support us,” Metros said. “We do receive furniture donations at times. Both homes are completely furnished, and it’s helpful to have a few pieces to help when they move out, but storing it can be just as expensive.”
Everyone involved volunteers their time, ensuring 100% of what’s raised goes to support the programs
“We’ve put a big dent in the numbers (of homeless veterans) around here. It’s something that should never be,” Metros said.
Follow United Veterans Billeting of Fayette County on Facebook for more information.