Thanks to the generosity of UCLA fans and supporters, five special U.S. flag-inspired stars-and-stripes logo football helmets were auctioned off for a total of $9,869 to support a Los Angeles campaign to help homeless veterans off the streets and into homes of their own.
The helmets, which the UCLA Football team wore during their 41-0 victory at Oregon State on Nov. 7, were part of Bruin Football’s week-long Veterans Day salute to current and former members of the military. UCLA Athletics will donate all proceeds from the auction to the Mayors Fund for Los Angeles Homes for Heroes campaign. Launched by L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti, the initiative asks Angelenos to join together and cover the final move-in costs for 500 homeless veterans who are currently living on the streets of Los Angeles with federal housing vouchers in hand. The vouchers, which cover rent payments, do not account for the necessary resources to move in – namely costs such as security deposits, basic furniture and essential toiletries and supplies. The Homes for Heroes campaign has the goal of moving these 500 homeless veterans into homes by the end of this year. The mayor's office collaborated with United Way’s Home for Good program and Veterans Administration Secretary Robert McDonald to identify 1,000 private landlords who will accept federal rent subsidies available to homeless veterans.
Homes for Heroes still seeks additional financial support from Angelenos to reach its goals. A donation as small as $25 can make a dramatic difference in the city’s campaign to end veteran homelessness by June 30, 2016.
Donate online at the Mayors Fund for Los Angeles Homes for Heroes, where you’ll also find more information and FAQs.