Patriots and Paws

Furnishings for Patriots

Our Furnishings for Patriots Program is on-going and each year continues to grow as more become aware of what we do. Often time those that served in our military face financial needs and find it hard to ask for help. They will do without rather than reach out. Because we serve ALL Veterans, Active Duty and Reservist regardless of discharge, rank or finances, we are able to give them dignity because they pick out the items they want. They are welcomed and shown no judgement to why they need items. They are treated with respect when they come in and throughout the whole process. With our help they are able to use their finances for other items like food, utilities, medical appointments, car repairs, or other items. With such struggles like food insecurity, having your home needs meet, they can now focus on those struggles. It can be as simple as kitchenware or a full apartment including couches, dining room tables, beds, linens, end tables, coffee tables, etc. This gives them some dignity back and gets them off the floors. Since most of those we help are formally homeless, they don't have access to these items. Furnishings for Patriots also supplies bikes, helmets, and other items to support military families which are often single parent households. Also, Patriots and Paws encourages clients to use its "Leave Your Burdens Behind" wall where veterans and loved ones can write out their fears and worries and see that others have done the same. This allows the Veteran a chance to experience a moment of peace so they can lean on this feeling as they return home. For the past 12 years we have provided what we call "Turkey Dinner Bags" which consist of traditional Thanksgiving items and then a gift card for the perishables. In the past years, a donor as provided a box of fresh organic fall produce to go along with these bags. We send out an email to our list of all those that we have served to let them know and we are able to help the first 250 that respond. In 2025 we served 300 "Turkey Dinner Bags".

Patriots Paws Companionship Program

Our Paws Companionship Program is working on creating a kennel where the same demographics can kennel their animals at no cost, when they have a need. While we are working on this, we have gotten two pieces of legislation passed supporting our Veterans and shelter animals. In 2020, SB 245 Pets for Vets Act, went into effect in California that allows Veterans, (who have Veteran designated on their CDL) to go to any county shelter adopt and animal at no cost. They are still required to pay for the microchip and licensing. In late December 2024 we began working on another bill SB 325 Pets for Heroes Act in Nevada This bill was quickly fast tracked and approved and goes into effect October 1, 2025. This bill allows Veterans, Law Enforcement and First Responders to adopt at most county municipalities in Nevada or rescues funded through the county. These two laws allow the connection between a Veteran and animals to fulfill the need for each other. When a Veteran needs companionship an animal is a great pairing. An animal gives the Veteran a purpose and a job all in one. When a Veteran leaves the military, they leave behind all the structure and often are not sure how to fit in with the civilian world. A pet helps them since the pet relies on the owner for everything, safety, survival, food, exercise and their own need for companionship. We have a fund where we can help a Veteran kennel their animals when they have a need. Often when a Veteran needs to have a medical procedure and doesn’t have someone they trust to care for their pet, they will not proceed with taking care of themselves. When they find themselves in trouble with the law and get arrested and have a pet, what happens to the pet? It goes to usually to a county shelter and the Veteran then must pay to get it out. What happens when the Veteran is homeless and doesn’t have the money to get there pet out? Often, they are rehomed by the county. This can be devastating to the Veteran they lose what they consider a family member. What incentive does the Veteran have to continue to behave in jail? What about when they are getting mental health help? What happens to their pet, the same thing as to when they are in jail if they don’t have a place that can care for their pet. Veterans who can get housing that doesn’t allow pets, often will refuse because they will not leave behind, they will remain homeless. Having a place that can leave their pet at night will help us to get more Veterans housed, until they can find housing that will allow their pet. This is why having a place for them to leave their pets is so important. Their mental health is important. We feel that a Veteran will behave better while they are in jail, if they have the incentive knowing their pet will be there when they get out and not have a HUGE bill they must and figure out how to pay. We work with community partners that offer dog training at no cost, so that they Veterans and dogs can get trained with basic commends and in some cases be trained to become service animals. This training helps the Veteran have a purpose and focus on their pet and establishes a better relationship between the two. It also, keeps the Veteran and pet safer while out in the community. We are working with another community partner that offers low-cost medical care for their pets including spay/neuter, vaccines, and other basic medical needs. We are currently establishing relationships with other community partners that will offer food for their pets. Our kennel will bring all these pet care needs in one place for the Veteran.