SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — At a news conference this morning, San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor and USAA Chief Executive Officer Stuart Parker announced USAA’s $2.1 million pledge to help end veteran homelessness in San Antonio. USAA’s pledge was inspired by the White House Administration’s Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, which was announced by First Lady Michelle Obama in 2014 as part of the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative.
“As a strong business leader and long-time advocate for military families, USAA joined us today to announce its support for this significant initiative,” Mayor Taylor said. “Given both USAA’s corporate history and commitment to the military community, it is not surprising USAA would step forward in this extremely generous way.”
In January 2015, Mayor Taylor kicked off local participation in the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, an initiative tackled by more than 681 cities and communities across the country and supported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness and the National League of Cities.
“We applaud the City of San Antonio and Mayor Taylor for leading this effort,” Parker said. “USAA is proud to support this initiative which ensures every veteran in Military City USA has a home to call their own.”
Since joining the challenge, more than 800 homeless veterans in San Antonio have moved or are in the process of moving into permanent housing.
“Although the City of San Antonio has made substantial progress to-date, our goal is to end veteran homelessness by March 31, 2016,” Mayor Taylor said. “USAA’s tremendous support will help us reach our goal.”
To address San Antonio’s remaining homeless veterans, beneficiaries of the funding announced today are the American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program, South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless and Family Endeavors.
“Family Endeavors is privileged to partner with USAA, Mayor Taylor and the City of San Antonio on this important initiative,” said Travis Pearson, CEO of Family Endeavors and board chair of the South Alamo Regional Alliance for the Homeless. “No veteran should be forced to live on the streets and the leadership by Mayor Taylor and this significant investment by USAA will provide the necessary resources and services needed to ensure that veterans obtain safe and secure housing for themselves and their families.”
Mayor Taylor concluded the announcement with a challenge to the corporate community to join the initiative.
One San Antonio
Diverse, internationally connected and globally competitive, San Antonio has a vibrant culture and economy and is consistently ranked among the fastest-growing cities in the United States. America’s seventh-largest city offers opportunities in industries ranging from bioscience, financial services, aerospace, cybersecurity, energy and transportation manufacturing to healthcare. We are “Military City USA,” home to crucial military commands supported by a patriotic citizenry. We welcome 31 million visitors annually who inject $13.4 billion annually into our economy, and UNESCO recently designated the city’s Spanish colonial missions as a World Heritage Site. Celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2018, San Antonio is a city with a storied past and an even brighter future. For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov.
About USAA
The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to 11.2 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
About the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness
In 2014, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden launched the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness, with over 800 city and county officials signing on to end Veteran homelessness by the end of the year. And through the Joining Forces initiative, they are continuing to collaborate with these communities, as well as local stakeholders such as landlord associations and housing navigators, to make it easier for Veterans to get assistance and find affordable housing.
About Joining Forces
Joining Forces is a nationwide initiative launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden in 2011 to call on all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families and support them through wellness, education, and employment opportunities. Joining Forces works hand in hand with public and private sectors to ensure that service members, veterans, and their families have the tools they need to succeed throughout their lives.
