Linda Nunez

After suffering violence and abuse at different times in her youth, Linda Nunez currently experiences post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. However, she does not let that stop her from helping others who have similarly shared her struggles, especially war veterans. She has always channeled her energy into making positive change, and she has done just that through her creation of VASoCal, which is dedicated to serving those who first served us.

Linda Nunez is CEO of Veterans Alliance of Southern California Inc., founded in 2009 by her husband, a disabled veteran. The organization aims to significantly reduce the incidence of veteran homelessness in Southern California through direct intervention, stabilization through affordable and safe housing, case management, partnership, advocacy, and community education. Specifically, the organization provides emergency resources to at-risk and homeless veterans, while moving the veterans toward stable housing through education, benefits assistance, career and job training, and long-term help. Included in this assistance is transportation to the nearest veteran health care system, furniture once housed, and supportive services before, during, and after housing needs are met.

Veterans Alliance, with the help of donors, volunteers, and the community, has provided more than 6,000 nights of privately funded emergency or short-term shelter to homeless veterans, more than 400 donated sleeping bags during cold weather to street homeless, more than 800 jackets, and countless blankets, hoodies, hats, gloves, and socks. With Linda’s help, the organization has also reunited veteran families in three states outside of California, which located the families and provided reunification counseling and the financial means to return home. VASoCal has additionally rehoused more than 30 single men and women, all veterans, and 13 veteran families.

Linda has always made it her personal mission to show that it should not just a bumper sticker encouraging others to “support our troops”, but a reality. She hopes that one day, individuals will be ready to answer the call to service and end veteran homelessness so that her mission will be accomplished and all of our heroes will be saved. All of this and more is why Linda Nunez is a Daily Point of Light.

Inspired this 4th of July week by Linda’s story? Read more here http://www.pointsoflight.org/programs/military-initiatives/community-blueprint on ways that you can personally produce positive, measurable outcomes for veterans, military members, and their families.