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New nonprofit Home of Record Project outlines veteran housing pathway, seeks partnerships
Summary
Founder Gary Schell presented Home of Record Project's veteran housing model, describing eviction-prevention rental assistance, transitional housing, tailored case management and follow-up. The nonprofit said it is housing five veterans, reported an 87% program completion rate and requested partnerships and funding to scale.
Gary Schell, founder of the Home of Record Project, told the Veterans Disability & Human Services Commission on Sept. 10 that his Mesa-based nonprofit provides tailored housing services for veterans, focusing on eviction prevention, transitional housing and individualized case management.
"No veteran that honorably served their country should be out on the side of the street with a sign," Schell told commissioners as he described the group's veteran-pathway model. He said the organization was founded in 2023 and operates a veteran-informed program that includes eviction prevention (rental and mortgage assistance), transitional housing and social services referrals, including mental-health and service-animal supports.
Schell said Home of Record is currently housing five veterans and cited program metrics including an 87% completion rate, an average of about $9,000 in savings per veteran who completed services, and 29 evictions prevented in the current year. The group said it conducts triage and verification (DD214 or other documents) prior to placing veterans and offers emergent hotel vouchers when documentation is pending.
Commissioners and staff discussed program length and follow-up. Schell said the program sets a six-month target for housing and stability but does not impose a hard stop; the nonprofit conducts six-month, one-year and two-year check-ins with participants. He noted challenges for a young nonprofit seeking philanthropic and foundation support: some foundations require multiyear operational history before awarding major grants. Schell said the organization is exploring partnerships with VFW posts, the Veterans Community Project (VCP), local resource centers and national funders.
Commissioners suggested connecting Home of Record with local property owners and resource partners; Schell said the group has applied for a state VDF (Veteran Donation Fund) grant and is building referral links with regional nonprofits. He asked the commission to help raise awareness of the program so more veterans learn about the service pathway.
