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PRESS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deborah Chambers
VP, Development and Partnerships
Cell: 202-534-9965
dchambers@missiondc.org
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Honoring The Homeless Who Served
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Washington, DC—November 11, 2020—Central Union Mission welcomes all veterans to the Veteran’s Day program and free luncheon at the men’s shelter located at 65 Massachusetts Ave., NW. Homeless veterans, veteran volunteers, partner organizations, donors, staff and members of our community will all gather to honor and acknowledge the sacrifices and countless contributions veterans have made to our nation.
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Central Union Mission will recognize four veteran residents who currently reside at the shelter during today’s program:
- Richard Albee: US Navy, 1982-1986 (Boatswain’s Mate)
- Paul Brown: Marine, 1964-1969 (2714 Dietary Unit)
- Stephen Hall: Marine, 1984-1991 (2571 Forward Observer)
- Aaron Johnson: US Army, 1994 (Delta Communications)
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“Veterans Day highlights the dire circumstances that some men and women who served our country are still facing,” said Central Union Mission President & CEO Joseph Mettimano. “I’m excited to honor the Vets we have right here at the shelter to let them know that they have not been forgotten, and more importantly, that their service to this country is appreciated.”
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Central Union Mission has a long history of serving United States veterans. The Mission first opened its doors in 1884 to help Civil War veterans who were left broken and homeless in our nation’s capital. Providing food and shelter to veterans in need continued through World War I, the Great Depression and at the end of World War II when soldiers returned home from overseas.
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Today, Central Union Mission combats PTSD and other post-war issues by providing counseling and employment training while also helping veterans access the benefits they are entitled to through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.
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The Mission could not deliver on its promise to veterans without the support of the community. Safeway Foundation, Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust and the Disabled Veterans National Foundation, who donated care packages to the Mission’s current veteran residents, are some of the dedicated donors who support this work.
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Colonel Sylvester Brown, Academic Executive Officer at U.S. Army War College will serve as the keynote speaker and Central Union Mission, President & CEO Joseph Mettimano will deliver the welcome.
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Media is invited to attend. Veterans will be available for interviews. RSVP requested. Please contact Pastor Deborah Chambers, VP, Development & Partnerships, at 202-534-9965 or dchambers@missiondc.org for more information.
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About Central Union Mission:
Central Union Mission is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the oldest private social service agency in Washington, DC. In addition to its emergency shelter, which provides more than 60,000 bed-nights each year, the Mission operates holistic, Christ-centered transformation and workforce development programs for men, provides benefits for veterans, helps people overcome addictions, operates a food and clothing distribution center which provides food for over 4,000 people each month, runs a camp for underprivileged children, and offers a ministry to families and senior citizens. Charity Navigator has rated Central Union Mission a three-star charity, GuideStar awarded Central Union Mission a Gold Seal for our financial transparency and GreatNonProfits has given Central Union Mission a Top-Rated award.
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