There are more than 350 homeless veterans in Marathon County alone. Organizations like Randlin Homes in Wausau try to provide a place for drug dependent, ill and homeless veterans to live and get better. But the people who run the homes say they're not quite making ends meet.
The Randlin Homes Gallery of Hope in Wausau is full of donations waiting for a good home. The group sells second-hand household goods to raise money for homeless veterans.
"I think a lot of people don't realize that we have the problem with the homeless veterans in our community," says owner Linda Larson Schlitz.
But Randlin Homes is struggling to find the money to support their five shelters. Especially now, because owners estimate their gallery warehouse needs $15 thousand of repair.
Among many other improvements, the building needs electrical repair, and a handicapped accessible ramp. And even though nearly all their help comes from volunteers, they can't make ends meet because there is just too much need.
"I really support the fact that they're helping homeless veterans and others become self sufficient," says manager Candi Brach.
The store's manager hopes the community will support the organization, because she's seen first hand what changes come when someone goes from having nothing to having a life after Randlin Homes.
"It's great to see things actually turn out for people," says Brach.
Randlin Homes is holding a fundraiser on November to celebrate their renovated warehouse. If you're interested in helping out or finding out how to donate, visit www.randlinhomes.org or call 715-679-1819.
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