The origins of today’s VFW National Home can be traced to a 23-year-old woman named Amy Ross. In 1922, Ross made it her mission to help find jobs for the thousands of unemployed veterans in Detroit.
The origins of today’s VFW National Home can be traced to a 23-year-old woman named Amy Ross. In 1922, Ross made it her mission to help find jobs for the thousands of unemployed veterans in Detroit.
THE BEGINNING
News of Ross’ efforts reached millionaire cattleman Corey Spencer, who gifted 472 acres of land near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to build on Ross’ vision of supporting veterans.
On Jan. 7, 1925, the VFW National Home was founded, helping to fulfill the VFW pledge to "honor the dead by helping the living.” Later that spring, the Home welcomed its first family in an old frame farmhouse, Mrs. Pollett and her six children. Pollett had become suddenly widowed and lost her husband’s military pension.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Since its founding, the VFW National Home has grown from an old frame farmhouse to a sprawling campus with playgrounds; park areas; and multiple buildings, including single-family homes, a community center and gymnasium, childcare facility, guest lodge, chapel, and administrative offices.
Over the years, the National Home has evolved to meet the changing needs of America’s military and veterans’ families. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the National Home’s commitment to honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military by providing help and hope for their children and families.
News of Ross’ efforts reached millionaire cattleman Corey Spencer, who gifted 472 acres of land near Eaton Rapids, Michigan, to build on Ross’ vision of supporting veterans.
On Jan. 7, 1925, the VFW National Home was founded, helping to fulfill the VFW pledge to "honor the dead by helping the living.” Later that spring, the Home welcomed its first family in an old frame farmhouse, Mrs. Pollett and her six children. Pollett had become suddenly widowed and lost her husband’s military pension.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Since its founding, the VFW National Home has grown from an old frame farmhouse to a sprawling campus with playgrounds; park areas; and multiple buildings, including single-family homes, a community center and gymnasium, childcare facility, guest lodge, chapel, and administrative offices.
Over the years, the National Home has evolved to meet the changing needs of America’s military and veterans’ families. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the National Home’s commitment to honor our nation’s veterans and active-duty military by providing help and hope for their children and families.
The North Carolina Home Sponsored by the VFW Dept. of North Carolina and its Auxiliary.
Built in 1954
2,456 Square Feet
4 Bed, 2.5 Bath
Program Eligibility Requirements
Unaccompanied Tour of Deployment
Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Single or Married with dependent child(ren)
Drilling National Guard & Reserve
Honorably discharged, Active, Guard, or Reserve Veteran
Surviving widow or widower with dependent children
Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Single or Married with dependent child(ren)
Parent(s)/Guardian(s)
Applicant has a parent in the VFW or Auxiliary in good standing or if deceased, in good standing at the time of death
Single or Married with dependent child(ren)
Red, White, and Blue Program
(Identify Barriers)
Reduce distress and eliminate barriers
Establish 3 SMART Goals
Families discuss all financial decisions with their CM.
Veterans become established with local Veteran Service Organization.
(Learn and Grow)
Focus on sustainment, relationships, overcoming limiting beliefs.
Establish 3 new SMART Goals.
Begin post program housing decisions.
Financial decisions outside of goals discussed with CM.
(Transition/Integration)
Prepare for transition by establishing community.
Establish 3 new SMART goals.
Establish transition plan.
Option to apply for transitional grants.
If you would like more information, please contact Department NC National Home Chairman
Elias Garza,
704-298-2944
(Please state North Carolina home in Memo of donation.)