Legendary Jon Bon Jovi, known for his singing and his rock group, is also a philanthropist. Half a million dollars was donated through his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation to help build 77 new homes for homeless veterans in Washington, D.C.
The project has taken ten years to complete with the help of nonprofit “Help USA,” whose goal is to tackle the issue of homelessness in the United States. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, 50% of veterans who were homeless (since 2010) have been housed.
However, the rest of the veterans who still don’t have homes deserve the same. That’s why Bon Jovi’s contribution is exceptionally crucial and helpful.
Bon Jovi announced his donation during an interview on CNN’s ‘The Lead with Jake Tapper.’ The rock star spoke about what inspired and motivated his foundation.
Bon Jovi said:
Oftentimes, they’re left to deal with PTSD and the issue of coming back to the workplace after leaving the battlefield. Life as you knew it is going to be different, and sometimes, people need that extra help.
The Facility
The facility for homeless veterans, Walter Reed facility, has a courtyard, a gym, and a computer room. Spending time on the streets alone causes people to become isolated, therefore, they have a lounge as a standard meeting room. The idea is that the lounge may help the veterans to socialize and feel better when they’re around other people.
Additionally, the facility will provide a variety of programs aimed to help the vets get back on their feet.
The facility can house 300 vets. Those with 50% or less of the median income will qualify and have to pay rent with 30% of their income. Believe it or not. Most of these homeless veterans receive wages from either jobs, pensions, or Social Security.
Jon Bon Jovi Soul Homes
This veteran complex isn’t the first time Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation built homes for those in need. In 1989, the organization constructed a facility called Jon Bon Jovi Soul Homes. The facility takes in a mix of individuals, such as the homeless, teens aging out of foster care, and those with low-income.
Sister Mary Scullion, co-founder of the project, said:
The single most effective way to end homelessness is affordable housing. Over time, JBJ Soul Homes will give hundreds of people a permanent home with supportive services that will allow them to flourish.
Unbroken
The opening of the housing complex coincides with the release of Bon Jovi’s latest single “Unbroken.” The single is featured in the “To Be of Service” movie, which is a documentary that displays the challenges vets have with PTSD and how their service dogs help them overcome it. In many cases, service dogs have completely changed their lives.
Bon Jovi explains that it wasn’t easy making the song:
It was going to be a difficult task because I hadn’t served in the military. You have to be honest if you’re going to take on this task and be truthful in its delivery so that men and women who did serve will feel pride when they hear this song.
Inspired by these service dogs, Bon Jovi announced that all proceeds earned from the song would be given to the Patriotic Service Dog Foundation as a donation. The non-profit organization works to pair up veterans and first responders with service dogs at no cost.
Reference: Intelligentliving.co
