Noteboom The Law Firm

Disabled Veteran Uses Disability Benefits to Help Homeless Vets

A disabled veteran of the U.S. Navy is opening his home to other disabled veterans in need of a place to stay – and funding it with his own disability benefits.

Shane D’Onofrio and his wife run What Would U Give, a non-profit organization in their hometown of Rio Rancho, NM, which provides a temporary home to disabled veterans in the area. New Mexico reports at least 5,000 homeless veterans live on the streets and the D’Onofrios are focused on helping reduce those numbers.

The couple opened their facility to homeless veterans using Shane’s $1,700/month veterans’ disability check to fund the operating expenses. They can house 8 veterans at any one time and all of the amenities inside including computers and furniture were donations from local supporters.

Army veteran, Jason Millett, has been living at the center for a few months, which makes it possible for him to go to school full time to work toward a new career. It’s not just shelter that the D’Onofrios are offering – they also work with the veterans to find what their niche is and lead them toward their goal to employment and finding their own permanent housing.

Many small grassroots organizations have developed across the country to help local homeless and disabled veterans find shelter and employment opportunities. Local resources for disabled veterans are often critical to helping veterans obtain the disability benefits they are entitled to.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veteran’s disability rights firm today – 1-888-234-5758.