FINAL SALUTE's Fundraiser:

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Our organization, Final Salute, Inc., (a 501(c)3 nonprofit) is raising money to complete the renovation of our Alexandria transitional home (Karen's Home) for homeless women veterans and their children. 

In the fall of 2016, we partnered with Homeaid Northern Virginia and Winchester Homes to begin this $450,000 extensive renovation. Between the generosity of The Flatley Foundation, the builder, trade partners and companies like Home Depot, Van Metre and Bank of America, a lot of the cost were covered, however the cost have increased due to important, but very unexpected structural, zoning and permitting issues that were discovered after much needed updates and renovations had started. 

This has now created a need for an additional $150,000 to cover the cost of the remaining structural/permitting costs needed to get the home up to code and cover the temporary lodging for the women and children who resided in the home at the time of construction. We have had many challenges with this home, stemming from the previous ownership and have fought hard to rebuild this sanctuary for homeless women veterans and their children. 

Unfortunately, until we complete the renovation and get the home up to code, we are unable to re-open and house for the homeless women veterans and their children that live there. 

We are asking all that come across this campaign to donate at least 1 brick towards completion of the home:  

• $25 - 1 brick and 1 day of housing for a homeless woman veteran and her      children 
• $175 - 7 bricks and 1 week of housing for a homeless woman veteran and her children
• $750 - 30 bricks and 1 month of housing for a homeless woman veteran and her children

Women veterans are currently the fastest growing homeless population in America. Through our operations at Karen’s HOME, we have provided over 12,000 days of housing through our transitional housing program. The facility provides up to 10 women veterans and their children with transitional housing for up to 2 years. Our transitional housing program has supported over 49 women veterans and children, to include Guardsmen and Reservists.  This is the only transitional home for homeless women veterans and their children in the DC Metro Area, but has supported women veterans nationwide who were unable to find housing in their local areas. 

This home has supported women veterans who were living in their cars, fleeing abusive relationships, sleeping from couch to couch and others who have struggled to find employment after transitioning from the military. This home has also allowed women veterans the opportunity to get their children back, whom they lost while homeless. Some women veterans even leave our transitional home and become homeowners themselves.  

Here is some background on our Alexandria home and the selfless woman veteran who went to battle on behalf of her sisters in arms: http://guardianofvalor.com/jaspen-boothe-saves-homeless-veterans-bidding-450k-home/ 

With the help of a generous donation from the Karen Ruth Keesling Trust we were able to secure a mortgage and purchase the home, but have spent the last few years getting the home in compliance. The organization, our leadership, staff, donors, partners, and volunteers have gone above and beyond for this home, but now need more help to complete our current mission. Without your support, women veterans and their children will lose this vital resource. 

Each donor will receive a "Brick Certificate of Appreciation" and special recognition at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Thank you in advance for your generous support!