On Sunday morning, Jan. 16, the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) Copper State Post 619 welcomes speaker Joselyn Wilkinson. She serves as the Homeless Veteran Program Administrator for the State of Arizona and the Arizona Department of Veteran Services.
Arizona is in the top three fastest-growing states in the country. However, with this growth, accompanied by inflation, comes an increase in rental properties and a significant lack of affordable housing. Joselyn explains that “Currently, Maricopa County is at a 97% occupancy rate, and we are short 250,000 housing units in the county.”
“In addition,” she continues, “one of the top barriers we face in the housing crisis is race equity. Our job is to analyze data to discover racial disparities and barriers with people of color being housed.” Learn how all of these housing problems are being addressed on a state level.
The January meeting will take place in the Poolside Card Room at the Oakwood Country Club in Sun Lakes at 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd. Look for a sign on your left as you head towards the main clubhouse.
Bagels, lox, coffee and “meet and greet” start at 9:30 am, and the meeting begins at 10 am. There is no charge, but to partake in the food, a reservation is required by Friday, Jan. 14 at 5 pm by contacting Joyce Spartonos (preferably by email) at [email protected] or 480-802-4902.
Jewish War Veterans is the oldest active national veteran organization in continuous operation in America, with more than 400 posts around the country. Members and nonveterans represent a wide range of religious affiliations. Support is provided to Arizona veterans of all religions and beliefs.
JWV Post 619 members participate in philanthropic activities to help Jewish and non-Jewish veterans. During the past 25 years, Post 619 has led a wide range of fundraising activities, including selling poppies at supermarkets and the Mesa Market Place, and most recently, an online auction, “A Hand Up 4 Vets.”
Money raised from these activities enables the post to fund events for veterans such as dinners at the U.S. Veterans Home and the VA Hospital, and pizza parties at MANA House. The post also has refurbished rooms at the Arizona State Veteran Home. Its mission is to support hospitalized, homeless and at-risk veterans.
For more information, visit CopperstatePost619.com. Meetings feature speakers focused on supporting veterans. For additional information about JWV activities or membership, please contact Jr. Vice Commander, Elliott Reiss at 480-802-3281 or [email protected].
