MVAA, Gleaner Life distribute more than 4,000 essential care items to veterans experiencing homelessness

LANSING, Mich. - The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) received and distributed more than 4,000 essential care items for veterans experiencing homelessness from Gleaner Life Insurance Society Capital Arbor #772. The items were sorted into 210 care kits.

"Supporting veterans experiencing homelessness is more than providing essential items, it's also recognizing their service and reminding them that they aren't alone," said MVAA director Terry J. Sabo. "Community partnerships are important when serving Michigan veterans and shows them that their community cares."

Capital Arbor #772 first partnered with the MVAA in March 2026 to distribute more than 130 care kits. Earlier this summer, to honor the 250^th birthday of the United States of America, Capital Arbor #772 again contacted the agency to collaborate to provide essential care items for veterans. After all items were collected, members of Capital Arbor #772 and MVAA staff worked together to sort the items into care kits.

Essential items in care kits may include:

• Travel-sized soap and shampoo
• Toiletry items
• Feminine hygiene products
• Clothing
• First aid supplies
• Blankets
• Bags or backpacks

"We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Capital Arbor #772," said MVAA homeless veteran coordinator Cassie Smith. "Every act of kindness makes a difference and this support helps us provide veterans with the dignity, compassion and resources they deserve as they work towards a stable future."

For more information on how you can help veterans experiencing homelessness, please contact Cassie Smith at [email protected].

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, the MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about the MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.

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