Number 28
Photo Credit: Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin
Packers Deliver a Quarter-Million Dollar Assist for Unhoused Veterans
Featured Focus: Athlete-Driven Impact, Community Programs, Poverty Alleviation
Scope of Impact: Local
For years, the Green Bay Packers Foundation has focused part of its impact on unhoused veterans. Here’s what you should know about their latest initiative:
Tackling veteran homelessness: The Green Bay Packers Foundation awarded a $250,000 grant to Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin (N.E.W.) to fund a tiny home village for unhoused veterans, offering them stability and support.
More than a home: The "cottage court" will have 17 one-bedroom homes, four transitional units, and a community hub. This center will also provide more than 20 supportive services to its residents, including healthcare and job training.
A long standing commitment: It’s the fifth year in a row that the Packers’ Give Back program has awarded a grant specifically for organizations that serve veterans and their families.
Much like LeBron’s long-term play in Akron, Ohio (check our first W|W Download, if you haven’t yet), the Packers are stepping up for their community by committing to supporting veterans in need. By partnering with Veterans 1st of Northeast Wisconsin, the NFL team proved that it was willing to take a 360° look at the issue. Their focus isn’t only on housing, but also on providing comprehensive support services like healthcare, jobs, and community support to address the complex issue of veterans experiencing homelessness in a sustainable manner. And the cherry on top — the tiny-home village will be eco-friendly, with energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, and a smaller climate footprint.
YOUR NEXT PLAY:
This initiative sets a powerful example for other teams, showing them how to stand up an initiative that delivers meaningful, long-term community impact by partnering with key players that are already making a difference in a specific issue area. It can be for teams, leagues, or athletes to want to start something entirely new. To make their mark in a fully-owned way. But collaboration often leads to community impact that’s more substantial, scalable, and immediate.
For us, the Packers’ dedication to their neighbors also raises the existential question of “how can we do more?” If it’s prompting the same question for you, too, there’s no better time than the present to start building programs and partnerships that are a WIN | WIN for everyone.
The team’s independent charitable arm supports a wide range of social impact initiatives in the local community.
Nonprofit providing wraparound services to veterans in Northeast Wisconsin, including the new community village being built with funds from the Packers.
Information on programs and resources offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist unhoused veterans.copy goes here.
The NFL's partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation supports veteran community through the Salute to Service initiative.
Fewer resources used in construction and maintenance of tiny homes allow them to use less energy, reduce pollution, and save money for their owners.
Another community initiative provides schools and local nonprofit football organizations with grants to improve safety and field conditions.
