This year, the Coalition for the Homeless has set a specific goal: to house all homeless veterans in Louisville by 2016. This is project Rx: Housing Veterans, and White Picket Real Estate has decided to become a benefactor of the Coalition. White Picket will help them complete this mission as well as future objectives, and currently, they do not have any intention of breaking this partnership anytime soon. To celebrate the start of this affiliation, there will be a Kickoff Fundraiser at Norton Commons Amphitheatre (10712 Meeting St.) on Thursday, August 13th, from 6p.m. to 10p.m. It is a free-admission, public event with live music (Radiotronic), kids activities, and several food and beverage venues.
White Picket Real Estate is a new business operating through the Keller Williams Louisville East brokerage, founded by Kyle Elmore (a young professional of Louisville). Elmore didn’t want to just help individuals buy and sell houses, but he wanted to give back to the community. White Picket’s mission statement is “helping home happen,” and Elmore was interested in making this happen for the less fortunate inhabitants of Louisville- the homeless. Catherine McGeeney, Director of Development for the Coalition for the Homeless, stated that when Elmore found out about what the Coalition was doing in Louisville, he appreciated it and came forward with his proposal. Elmore has decided to donate 5% of every White Picket transaction to the Coalition, and for this year, all the donated money will be put into the Rx: Housing Veterans project.
McGeeney explained that the Coalition for the Homeless works with 29 partner agencies throughout Louisville, and 20 of these agencies are currently concentrating on the veterans housing project. Mayor Fischer supports their work and was even one of the first to sign the national “Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.” As of the end of July, McGeeney declared that the Coalition has been able to house 220 veterans, which is about 50% of the homeless veteran population (with fluctuation of numbers accounted for).
McGeeney hopes that the kickoff fundraiser will keep the momentum of the Rx: Housing Veterans project moving forward, especially with all the support that they have been receiving. The event is sponsored by White Picket Real Estate and First Liberty Mutual as well as Commonwealth Tap, Tile & Escrow, Norton Commons, Norton Commons Realty, and Pet Station. First Liberty has taken it upon itself to cover all event expenses and to help veterans find housing with general fees waived and 5% of veteran sales donated to the Coalition. Additionally, Tea Station Chinese Bistro and Zoom Zoom Food Truck will be donating 20% of their evening’s gross sales while Mike’s Kentucky Kitchen and Professional Bar Service will be donating 15% of their night’s gross sales to the Coalition.
McGeeney emphasized the fact that 100% of these proceeds from the fundraiser will go towards Rx: Housing Veterans. The Coalition for the Homeless is tackling a large problem, but they are making it happen with the help of many others. As McGeeney repeatedly stated:
“Louisville is a unique community, making huge strides in its work to end homelessness, but to be effective and make real changes, everyone has to work together. Only with the participation of everyone, can we do this.”
Come out and enjoy the food, the music, and the company as you learn about the Coalition for the Homeless, their partnership with White Picket Real Estate, and the ways you can help!
Photo Courtesy of the Coalition for the Homeless Facebook Page, Radiotronic Facebook Page, and Catherine McGeeney Photo by Irena Tran
