Walking Down Ranch describes locally funded transitional housing for veterans, asks for furniture and sponsorships

Walking Down Ranch leaders told the Town of Pinetop Lakeside podcast that the nonprofit operates a locally funded transitional housing program for veterans and is seeking donations and community support.

"Walking Down Ranch is a transitional housing facility for homeless veterans located here in Lakeside," said Victoria, vice president of Walking Down Ranch. She said the program runs 18 self-sufficient cabins and that residents provide 20 hours of community service in lieu of paying rent and utilities.

The program is typically 90 days, Victoria said, with an individualized plan for each resident that addresses the causes of their homelessness and helps them move into permanent housing. Paul, the group's veteran liaison, said his duties include reviewing applications, ensuring participants complete program hours and helping veterans access resources to be successful after they leave. "I'm just a veteran liaison. I go through the applications prior to them being accepted into the program," Paul said.

Victoria emphasized the organization's local funding model. "We do not get any, state or federal funds at this time," she said, adding that the White Mountain community and a sponsorship program built by founder Maggie Heath keep the operation running. Victoria described a "5 7 5 club" sponsorship initiative that, she said, paid off the group's mortgage in three years.

The nonprofit also operates the Veterans Village thrift store next door; Victoria said the store is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and that "all of the proceeds from the thrift store do benefit veterans at Walking Down Ranch directly." The thrift store both raises funds and supplies cabin furnishings; Victoria said donations of furniture are especially needed during and after winter.

Walking Down Ranch offers cabin sponsorships that cover a cabin's needs for a full year, Victoria said, and donors who purchase sponsorships "adopt a household of veterans." Paul added that when a resident completes the program, they may take furniture they need to move into a new place and staff restock the cabin for the next veteran.

Looking ahead, Victoria said the organization plans to demolish and rebuild its main office on White Mountain Boulevard, expand food-sufficiency efforts with a new garden and is hoping to add a chicken coop. She asked listeners with resources or skills to contact the organization to help with those projects.

Rob Hefner, host of the Town of Pinetop Lakeside podcast, closed the episode by thanking Victoria and Paul and reminding listeners they can stop by town hall or contact Walking Down Ranch directly for more information.

The episode provided immediate requests for community support but no formal decisions or official government actions were taken during the recording.