18/02/2025
I keep trying to share this from Life on the Edge Media and it won't let me..so here goes..
The Smiling Hart Project: Working to Give Homeless Veterans A Safe Place to Call Their Own
There are almost 33,000 homeless veterans across the United States. Over 19,000 of them are able to find shelter, leaving the other 13,000 plus to face the elements on a regular basis.
Community programs designed to help displaced veterans can be found across the country, but most have limits due to funding or other restrictions. Finding the resources needed to get any homeless person the things they need to simply survive can be extremely difficult, especially if the homeless in question won't come forward.
Meet Junior: The Man Behind the Mission
Junior Elkhatib is one of the most unique men I have ever met. He is in constant motion, taking little or nothing for himself and trying to stay focused on what God puts on his heart. Junior is a business owner and an entrepreneur. He is also a human being who simply cannot turn a blind eye to the current state many homeless veterans find themselves in.
Junior has been blessed in many ways. He has also walked that thin line between good and evil and has learned many harsh realities. He has turned his back on God just to have something happen that would show him the light. He will tell stories about how God provided for him when he needed it most.
Junior has a place in his heart for homeless veterans. He sees what they go through and has a firm belief that God has tasked him with finding a way to help. He won't take credit for what he does, though. He passes that straight back to the source. Without God to guide him, he couldn't do what he does every day.
A Community for Veterans vs The Alternative
One of the things that Junior realized from the very beginning was that raising money to provide daily necessities didn't do anything to solve the problem. Money raised through fundraisers was often misspent. Even if it was used appropriately, the things it purchased didn't last. Once they were used they were gone. It was a quick fix with no long-term results.
Junior looked for a more sustainable solution. He began to envision a community for veterans where they would have a place they could call home and any resources they might need. The community would be far enough away from the temptation of drugs and alcohol, yet connected to neighboring towns through transportation services and other public resources.
What Homeless People Need While They Are On the Street
People who live on the street are always in need of the basics like toiletries, batteries, cell phone chargers, blankets, tents, sleeping bags, and food. Some people prefer to live on the street. They are comfortable there and like the freedom that comes with having few possessions. They are able to live on very little and like it that way.
Small, travel size soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste are common requests. The small containers offered by hotels are perfect. They are easy to carry and don't take up much space. Most only have one or two changes of clothing. People are unique in their needs, some may want specific types of items, while others aren't very particular.
Common Issues Homeless Veterans Face
Homeless veterans face a variety of challenges. Many can't receive their military benefits due to not having a physical mailing address. No address, no way to verify identity or residency. They are basically soldiers without a country. Some choose this because they have become disillusioned with the government and its lack of support when it comes to healthcare and housing.
Exposure to drugs and alcohol can be a temptation that is hard for many to resist, especially if they are trying to self-medicate against pain, depression, and other health issues. The rate of su***de among homeless veterans has steadily increased over the years. Many have difficulty dealing with what they experienced during their time in the military. Others feel abandoned and isolated. Drugs and alcohol become coping mechanisms that are easy to come by on the street and difficult to walk away from.
Another problem is the stigma attached to being homeless. Being looked down upon, or worst of all, having people look past you as if you don't exist, can be emotionally and psychologically devastating.
From Homeless to Home
The Smiling Hart project would put homeless veterans in an environment that minimizes these obstacles. The way the community is set up, a homeless vet can make it his permanent home or use it as a means to start rebuilding his or her life. The campers on the property would be their home for as long as they choose to maintain it.
While some may find it a difficult to readjust to a “home” environment, others may look at it as an opportunity for growth that allows them to become productive members of society. It will become whatever their version of home is where they can feel safe, comfortable, and secure.
Building the Smiling Hart Community
Building the Smiling Hart community will take time and money. On the high end, it could cost up to $100,000. With the right resources and the commitment from the right partners can make it happen for around $50,000. Either way, the project is moving forward one challenge at a time. From Junior's Homeless Veteran's Challenge and the Reverse Beauty Pageant, local support continues to bring in donations.
Although the concept Junior has helped to create is small, it's fully sustainable and he believes this type of community can and would thrive in all areas of the country. The key is spreading the word and getting partners in other communities to embrace the concept and encourage veterans groups to support it.
Bringing Together the Resources
Once the model has been established, the next step is to find a landowner to commit to donating a piece of property through the use of a “Deed of Purpose”. This ensures the landowner maintains ownership and the community maintains the right to use the property for the intended purpose. Deeds of Purpose can be written for any length of time and are non-transferrable.
Once the land is secured, donations of campers or tiny homes can be accepted and placed on the property. At this time, the Smiling Hart community has had three campers donated, with more in the works. Some may need a little work, but each one is a future home for a homeless veteran.
Each community will have an office where residents can meet their doctors or VA workers. There will be a community building with a laundry and public kitchen. Transportation wiill be available as well for traveling to and from nearby communities. By working with community partners, all possible resources will be offered to the individuals who call Smiling Hart home.
A Model That Can Be Used Across the Country
The model Junior has come up with can be used anywhere across the country. It is easily sustainable and will be able to maintain itself without government grants or other types of federal assistance. The Smiling Hart model can be used for different homeless populations, not just veterans.
Communities with a strong veteran-based population can support this unique model through fundraisers, charitable events, and the resources provided through local organizations that are supported by local veterans.
No More Quick Fixes/Band-aids
Smiling Hart is a long-term solution that eliminates quick fixes that only prolong the effects of homelessness. Through the Deed of Purpose property agreement, the land's use is guaranteed for a specific period of time. In most cases, these agreements are for 20 years or longer. This adds stability and ensures residents have the security they need to truly feel at home.
With the right financial resources, these communities can become self-sustaining and maintain themselves without having to rely on any outside sources. They will be able to provide residents with connections to partners that can provide health care and legal advice if they are needed.
Covering the Cost
One of the unique aspects of the community relies on the residents being able to assume financial responsibility for themselves. They will pay for their utilities and will help maintain the community property. Everyone will work together to build a better neighborhood.
Each community will be responsible for finding ways to fund its activities and maintain the project. Having people in their corner like Junior, will help them tremendously. Once the model is in place and working successfully, it can continue to move forward assisting other veterans.
Raising Money Through the Homeless Veteran's Challenge
Anyone who knows Junior, knows he won't stop until he has met his goal. Last year the Homeless Challenge brought in over $22,000. This year the goal is $20,000. During the Homeless Veteran's Challenge, Junior gives up everything for one week and becomes homeless. He gives up his home, his business, his vehicles, cash, cards, literally everything but the clothes on his back. He takes to the street with only the things other homeless people have at their disposal.
Junior visits local businesses with a sign that reads “Living Homeless for Our Homeless Veterans”. He sleeps in a tent and spends his time with other homeless folks. This year he was accompanied by a friend of his named Tyler. Tyler was homeless for over 10 years and struggled with addiction. By walking in faith and with a little encouragement from Junior, Tyler made it off the streets about nine months ago. He is currently working on his recovery in a rehab nearby. Tyler accepted the challenge and choose to spend the first two days back on the street to help support te cause.
Junior deals with the same challenges other homeless people face. He endures the condescending looks of people who look down on him as they walk by. Many of these people he knows, but they don't seem to recognize him when he has the homeless sign. He stays outside in the cold and often goes to bed hungry. He makes it a point to put himself through the same difficulties other homeless people face.
Nothing he collects goes to support him in any way. Any donations of items go directly to the homeless people he is raising money for. He keeps nothing for himself, ever. It all goes to the veterans.
What's Next?
What's next? Well, with Junior you can bet it's going to be something unique. If you want to send a monetary donation for the Homeless Veteran's Challenge, you can send it to his CashApp $juniorelkhatib. Visit his page. He posts all CashApp donations for transparency and will also recognize anyone who donates a camper or offers ongoing support.
We can all work together to make Smiling Hart a reality!!
Send a message to learn more
Online community-based forum
