The Lafayette Transition Housing Center’s No Hero Should Be Homeless Motorcyle + Jeep Ride takes place June 21.
Detachment of Indiana Sons of The American Legion member David Tate regularly drives past a homeless facility in Lafayette, Ind. And seeing the people staying there has impacted him.
That’s why Tate, a member of SAL Squadron 11 in Lafayette, became a member of the board at the nonprofit Lafayette Transition Housing Center (LTHC), which houses homeless veterans in their families in multiple counties while providing assistance with mental health issues, employment and acquiring essential household goods.
And that’s why Tate is promoting the LTHC’s fourth annual No Hero Should Be Homeless Motorcycle + Jeep Ride, which takes place June 21 and provides motorcyclists and Jeep owners an opportunity to assist the nonprofit with raising funds for its various programs.
The event is part of LTHC's No Hero Should Be Homeless campaign.
“I see it every day when I go by the homeless shelter, and I see a lot of men and women in there for one reason or another,” Tate said. “It just seems it’s increasing, a lot more financial issues, health issues and housing issues. And I feel guilty the fact I’m not doing enough.”
Tate, who retired from Purdue University after 40 years, said he’s seen an uptick in the homeless population in the area. “There’s just too many homeless,” he said. “I think the times I’ve talked to them, we’ve had a very good conversation. They’re very passionate about their country, and very passionate and very proud of the fact they served. And with them, there’s a little bit of a, ‘I just can’t seem to get a break.’ That breaks my heart.”
Tate said he often thinks about what those homeless veterans are thinking each day. “It bothers me that they go to bed each night wondering, ‘I don’t know where my next meal’s coming from. I don’t know where I’m going to sleep. And I volunteered or was called up, and I did what was expected of me,’” said Tate.
Tate is encouraging any American Legion Riders in the area to take part in the No Hero Should Be Homeless Motorcycle + Jeep Ride. To learn more about the event, click here.
“These are good people,” he said. “It bothers me when people turn their back on them or discount them. I feel obligated as an American citizen and a member of the Sons of The American Legion to do what I can to help these people that simply need a leg up.”
- Homeless Veterans