Caliber Continues its Partnership with Veterans Helping Veterans

Caliber Home Loans Loan Consultant Jinky Diaz and Veterans Helping Veterans, Inc. (VHVUSA Inc), a non-profit organization, continues their partnership to improve the lives of men and women who served our country. One of the many events Jinky and Caliber assist with is the annual Ocala Veteran Stand Down. The annual event, most recently held in Ocala, FL, is open to all Florida Veterans. It provides a one stop shop, with over 50 agencies in one location, to assist them and their families.

Jinky’s grandfather fought alongside American soldiers during WWII, so helping those who served our country was instilled in her at an early age. In 2015, Jinky met Hank Whittier, Executive Director of VHVUSA Inc., to discuss sponsoring a fundraiser. Hank and VHVUSA wrote a grant to open the first one-stop Veterans Resource Center in the state of Florida. The facility opened in May 2017, and Caliber was offered an office inside the building to help veterans secure home loans. Caliber’s team attended the grand opening in 2017.

Prior to meeting Jinky, when Hank’s clients expressed a desire to become homeowners, Hank would refer them to local banks, and for various reasons they would not qualify for home ownership. This is the reason why Hank invited Caliber and Jinky to move in and be a resource veterans’ home financing needs.

Hank says, the difference is “Jinky and Caliber work hard to service our customers and to change their lives.” He further stated, “if they did what Jinky advised they went from homelessness to becoming homeowners.” Hank is grateful to Jinky and Caliber Home Loans, not only for their support in Stand Down and other events, but for their daily efforts to help make a difference in changing people’s lives.

VHVUSA’s Annual Stand Down Event

Since 2012, this organization has been hosting its annual Stand Down event for veterans and their families. Stand Down is a military term that refers to battle-weary soldiers receiving an opportunity to renew and refresh their spirit, health, and sense of well-being. The event’s name is fitting since the event is designed to give veterans an opportunity to get the help they need as they return to civilian life. This event is meant to show appreciation for their service and the freedoms we enjoy due to the sacrifices they made.

Nearly 50 federal, state, and local agencies were on-site. Agency representatives provided assistance and information including healthcare benefits, legal advice, homeownership information, employment assistance, housing assistance, counseling services, Welcome Home shopping trips, haircuts, and free clothing items.

About VHVUSA Inc.

This non-profit was established in 1997, incorporated in 2002, and its mission is to assist Veterans and their families who need social services and information that will help improve their lives and maintain their independence.

Hank Whittier is the Executive Director of VHVUSA Inc. and is a USMC Veteran himself. He initially agreed to serve in this role for one year. Due to his passion and commitment to the mission, 1 year turned into 20 years.

To those who are interested in expressing gratitude, donations are gladly accepted. Please know that 85 cents of every dollar donated goes to financial assistance, housing, rent subsidies, utility payments, food and clothing assistance, gas vouchers, employment assistance, peer counseling, and other services, as needed.

To learn more about Veterans Helping Veterans or to donate visit www.VHVUSA.org.