Operation Homefront Helps Single Mom Pay Rent, Buy Groceries
Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Kiaveth Vasquez describes her childhood as traumatic. A contentious split between her parents resulted in Kiaveth and her two younger brothers being taken from her father’s house in the U.S. to Central America, where they lived with his mother. Kiaveth said she and her brothers were emotionally and physically abused by her parents and grandmother. As each sibling turned 18, they ran away and came back to America, having to prove their citizenship.
In 2006, recalling the commercials for the U.S. military that she saw on television as a child, she joined the Army. She served until 2015 when she had her daughter. She is currently in the Army Reserve. Kiaveth has deployed three times to Iraq, the most recent in 2016-2017. One of her brothers also joined the Army and is stationed in Germany.
Now, twice divorced and a single mom of two, Kiaveth works as a motivational speaker, a trainer and fitness instructor at a gym, along with being in the Reserve.
Kiaveth lost her job at the gym when COVID-19 caused businesses to close. Her work in the Army Reserve also stopped. Kiaveth had to use what she had in her savings but as months went by, she fell behind on her rent. A single mom of two, she worried about getting evicted once protections were lifted.
Her leadership sent her an email with resources for support, including Operation Homefront. Kiaveth applied for help through the Critical Financial Assistance (CFA) program. Thanks to generous support from donors, such as The Bob Hope Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation, Kiaveth was able to pay $1,555 toward her rent and groceries.
“I cried the day I got approved and the day they told me the rent was going to get paid,” Kiaveth said. “I probably would have gotten a notice of eviction. I did not have the money. I am so grateful to Operation Homefront. The (donors) have no idea the impact that they have made in my children’s life and my life. Thank you, thank you so much. God bless you, you helped me give my children a better future and prevent them for suffering.”
Urgent Needs
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Texas
Assist Military and Veteran Families Navigating Government Shutdown
Military and veteran families are struggling with the impacts of the government shutdown. The disruption of essential services is driving veteran and military families to Operation Homefront's Critical Financial Assistance Program in record numbers. We have already seen a 39% increase in requests for CFA services so far this year and are seeing increased need from veterans in government jobs who are furloughed and struggling to make ends meet. We need your help to meet the growing needs of our veteran and military families, now more than ever. Your donation today will go directly to provide urgent financial assistance to offset the impacts of the shutdown including; rent, utility food, and healthcare costs for veterans in government jobs who haven't been paid; childcare costs for military parents who must go to work even though their on-base childcare center is closed.$47,650 still needed$50,000 -
Montana
New HVAC Need Put Army Reserve Member Behind on Bills
A dedicated Army Reserves member, balancing active-duty requirements and responsibilities at home, finds themselves in need of assistance to cover their mortgage. Facing essential home repairs, including the purchase of a new HVAC system, the strain has become overwhelming. Recognizing this is the time to ask for help, this service member hopes to secure the stability of their home while continuing to serve their country with unwavering commitment.$1,831 still needed$2,106 -
California
Repairs to Garage Put Veteran Behind
A female Marine Corps veteran is in need of support to cover urgent home repairs, specifically the replacement of a damaged garage door. After proudly serving her country, she now faces unexpected repair costs that exceed her current budget. Your donation can help restore safety and functionality to her home during this challenging time.$473 still needed$598
