Office of Darlene Edwards Public Affairs Cell (804) 382-2614 Department of Veterans Affairs Media Advisory

June 10, 2015

McGuire Veterans to Help Homeless Veterans through Art

What/Why: McGuire VA Medical Center Veterans were invited to participate in the “Find Art Doors,” a city-wide art campaign to repurpose 40 doors from Virginia Supportive Housing into interactive public art. As a part of their therapy program, Veterans are creating a patriotic themed art piece on a household door. The doors will be installed throughout the city over the course of the summer culminating in an auction in October 2015.

Proceeds from the auction will benefit community homeless programs. At each door location, information will be available that shares the story of a family’s journey through homelessness as well as the artists who painted them. The door created by the Veterans at McGuire will be featured at the Virginia War Memorial.

McGuire VA Medical Center recently completed a homeless boot camp to house 100 Veterans in 100 days. This goal was surpassed with 139 veterans being housed. The medical center also has a Healthcare for Homeless Veterans team which offers a comprehensive review of the needs of homeless Veterans. The team was recently recognized by the Mayor and the Governor’s office for their efforts to end Veteran homelessness.

When/Where: Veterans will be completing their door on Friday June 12, 2015 at 1pm at McGuire VA Medical Center.

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