Encinitas Elks provide Thanksgiving dinner for homeless veterans

The Encinitas Elks Lodge No. 2243 donated more than 600 pounds of food for Thanksgiving dinner for seven families in the “Welcome Home” program at Veterans Village of San Diego.

Each family received a basket filled with turkey, pies and all the traditional Thanksgiving foods.

The Welcome Home program is a first-of-its kind at the Veterans Village. It provides homeless veteran families with the tools necessary to set and attain goals leading to independence, including life skills such as positive parenting and community involvement, in a clean and sober supportive environment to strengthen, encourage and prepare families in transition from dysfunctional unhealthy living and active addiction to becoming drug-free, productive healthy and successful families.

These veterans and families are also provided with transitional housing and taught how to seek, obtain and maintain permanent employment.

The National Elks Foundation recently committed $4 million to end veteran homelessness.

“Our goal is to provide the tools and support necessary for homeless veterans to transition successfully into healthier and more stable lives,” said Mary Morgan, director of the Elks National Veterans Service Commission.

To find out more about the Elk’s service to Veterans, visit www.elks.org/vets/ and for information about the Encinitas Elks Lodge, visit www.encinitaselks.org or email elkhorn2243@gmail.com.