ALR donation makes life-changing impact
Korean War veteran Don Sellers (left) talks with American Legion Riders Chapter 60 President Mark Harmon at Jackston Street Commons in Kokomo, Ind. Chapter 60 sponsored an apartment at the facility and recently provided lunch for its residents.

ALR donation makes life-changing impact

Last spring, American Legion Riders Chapter 60 in Logansport, Ind., raised $3,000 to sponsor an apartment at Jackson Street Commons, a 27-room long-term or permanent home for homeless veterans in nearby Kokomo.

On Nov. 15, members of the chapter went back to Kokomo to host a lunch for the facility’s residents, as well as get a look at the completed $3.3 million facility that opened in May. The Riders came away impressed, as well as pretty happy with how their money is being spent and the impact it is having.

“It really more than surpassed our expectations when we came in and saw the completed building and how well it was put together,” said Mark Harmon, Chapter 60’s president. “But more importantly, the impact (it's had). Coming in and talking to the occupants and the impact it’s had on their lives and the positive direction it’s given them. And to hear some of their stories and where they’re at today, kind of getting their feet underneath them to move forward – it kind of brings a tear to your eyes. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to do for somebody. “

The facility is open to honorably discharged disabled veterans. In addition to 27 individual apartments – each with a bedroom separate from a living area – Jackson Street Commons has a community kitchen, laundry room, coffee bar, communal living areas, supportive service suites, a food pantry, reception area, a library with computers and books, a laundry room and an outdoor social area. The project uses a “Housing First” model, which provides a home first and then provides the residents with services that will help them recover and become self sufficient. Those services include substance-abuse help, vocational rehab and disability services.

For U.S. Navy veteran and facility resident Julie Mitchell, Jackson Street Commons has been a blessing. “Some people (here) come from some rough roads, and now you don’t have to worry about where you’re going to sleep or put your head,” she said. “It’s great. It’s a lot of goodness and appreciation for the military.”

It also helps being surrounded by other veterans. “You can always talk and (not) be afraid to share your feelings,” Mitchell said. “We have mental health people come in to talk with us once a week. It really helps.”

Korean War veteran Don Sellers moved into the facility after suffering heart, lungs and kidney trouble. He has no children and had limited options when he moved into Jackson Street Commons three months ago.

“I kind of ended up falling apart,” Sellers said. “Nobody wanted me around. They’re just great here.”

For the luncheon, Chapter 60’s Riders brought with it four different types of chili – mild and spicy, and each with or without macaroni – along with chili toppings, peanut butter sandwiches, desserts and drinks.

“I think it shows (the residents) just how much the community cares about them,” Jackson Street Commons Case Manager Angie Ciski said. “And they really appreciate it.”

Harmon said that kind of contact with the Jackson Street Commons residents matters.

“It’s important to come back to give these guys support, to show that people care about them, show them that they are important and that they are valuable,” he said. “If you want to get on with your life, you’ve got to feel valuable. You’ve got to feel loved. You’ve got to feel like somebody cares about you. "To hear some of their stories, it’s obvious they were feeling pretty low and feeling not very valuable. It’s very important to give human support, and that’s why we wanted to come back and do that for these guys. And I think we’ll continue on with that.”

That the Riders donated the money for one of the apartments was impressive to Mitchell. The lunch was icing on the cake. “It’s awesome,” she said. “It’s indescribable… that they can be a part of helping someone.”