Pentagon Federal Credit Union Foundation

Homelessness is a real threat for soldiers who return from combat with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as those participating in the Operation TBI Freedom program. In fact, veterans account for nearly one-third of the adult homeless population.

Thankfully, the Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Foundation and similar organizations are working to meet the unmet financial and housing needs of military personnel who have been wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. This includes multiple soldiers and veterans being served by Operation TBI Freedom who were at risk of becoming homeless after suffering a TBI.

Operation TBI Freedom is a privately funded statewide program that provides advocacy and counseling for soldiers and veterans with TBI and their families. The program partners with many community and military organizations, including the PenFed Foundation, to provide housing and financial resources and other types of support for wounded veterans and their families.

“The PenFed Foundation provided assistance to keep our veterans and their families in their homes,” said Fredia Johnson, an Operation TBI Freedom care coordinator. The foundation, through its Military Heroes Fund, paid for essential living expenses such as rent or mortgage and utility payments.

Daniel Schenk, program specialist for the PenFed Foundation, said the foundation provides support because the injuries of war require long-term support and care.

“We as a nation owe it to our service members to see that all their needs are met now and in the future,” he stated. “It is our honor to assist those who sacrificed so much in the defense of our country. We hope our support will at least begin to repay the debt of gratitude we owe every veteran.”

Learn more at www.penfedfoundation.org.