Program puts vets to work in community

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Many Hoosiers had the day off Friday. But one group of veterans was hard at work. For them, it was a chance to celebrate our country by investing in those who have given so much.

As part of a program called Veterans Property Management, veterans trimmed, painted and gave new life to a once dilapidated apartment complex. The gesture was an outward metaphor of the inward transformation happening among the group.

One of those vets Daenan Green. He served as an Army Ranger in the late 70s, but the horrors of combat remained with him long after the bullets stopped and the bombs were silenced.

Green credits Veterans Property Management, which was created by another veteran, with saving his life.

"It's genuine from his heart. It's kept me from being under a bridge sleeping, literally. It's kept my family together and it just couldn't be any better," said Green.

Through the 18-month program, vets find employment, training and housing. It's the brainchild of Iraq veteran Zach Goss.

"When homeless veterans come to us, say they live on the south side, we’ll pick him up and take him to a completely different side of the city," said Gross.

The change can remove the influences that may have contributed to self-destructive behavior. Gross hires many of the veterans who help rehabilitate property.

He hopes in a few months, Shadeland Court, a complex rebuilt by veterans, will house veterans who are rebuilding their lives. Helping those who have sacrificed in service to country brings Gross satisfaction bucks just can't buy.

"You can have half millions of those dollars and it's still nothing compared to seeing a veteran going from homeless to self-sustaining and working and being productive in today's society," said Gross.

Goss is currently seeking non-profit status for the program and hopes to take it nationwide. If you'd like more information about Veterans Property Management call them at 317-615-8505.

For more on how you can help with different projects in your community, visit the Hoosiers Helping Hoosiers web site .