In memory of the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation’s Rafael Stoneman with Leo. Courtesy photo
Gold Coast Veterans Foundation, notable for launching GCVF’s 2019 Mobile Veteran Outreach—a new model of care that has rescued nearly 300 veterans and family members from homelessness—will host its 16th annual Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament April 15 at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo.
After only three months, Veteran Outreach found itself on the frontlines of the pandemic, staying open and saving lives when other agencies shut their doors.
This year’s tournament marks a fifth anniversary and will serve as the kickoff for another far-reaching new initiative: Gold Coast Veterans executive director Bob Harris will announce a new Vets With Pets Rescue Fund to address one of the major causes of homelessness among American veterans.
More than half of homeless vets have pets who provide companionship and emotional wellness, and often the animals are their only family members, yet most low-income housing property owners won’t rent to pet owners, the organization says. The veteran has to choose between abandoning their best friend or living on the streets.
“These pets are often the only source of emotional healing and bonding that a veteran has,” Harris said.
The Vets With Pets Rescue Fund is dedicated in the memory of Leo, the 190-pound Malamute service dog who traveled with GCVF’s outreach director Rafael Stoneman on the MVO program.
Prior to the friendly giant’s passing earlier this year, his irresistible presence made it possible to approach even the most anti-social and reclusive homeless veterans, leading to life-saving rescues that could not otherwise have happened.
The mission of the Gold Coast Veterans Foundation is to prevent suffering and homelessness for American veterans. All services are provided free of charge.
Proceeds from the 2024 tournament will fund programs and services that local veterans cannot find elsewhere.
For more event information or about the foundation, go to gcvf.org or call (805) 482-6550.