Flashback Feature | National Invest In Veterans Week® Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph: A Sacred Commitment to Veterans During National Invest In Veterans Week®
As the world reflects on leadership transitions within the Vatican and embraces renewed calls to serve the marginalized, National Invest In Veterans Week® looks back at an exemplary moment in our shared history—March 2022—when Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph embodied the spirit of our observance through faith-driven, life-affirming service to veterans.
Founded by Iraq War Veteran Jeff Shuford, former NFL cornerback Drayton Florence, and Lieutenant Colonel Rickey L. Pope (Retired), National Invest In Veterans Week® is the only congressionally honored, federally trademarked civic observance dedicated to empowering veteran-owned businesses and enhancing veteran well-being. Each year from March 1st through 7th, the observance calls on Americans to “invest” in veterans through economic opportunity, mental health access, and community uplift.
Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph: Faith in Action
In alignment with these goals, Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph made a bold commitment to addressing veteran homelessness and financial insecurity. In fiscal year 2020–2021, they invested more than $1.27 million in rental assistance and lease payments—not as charity, but as strategic empowerment. Their work ensured veterans transitioning from combat to civilian life had secure housing, a cornerstone of stability and dignity.
Through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph meets veterans where they are, offering Rapid Rehousing for those experiencing homelessness and Homelessness Prevention for those on the verge of displacement. The intake process is precise and compassionate, using VA tools such as SQUARES (Status Query and Response Exchange System) to verify eligibility and connect veterans with benefits like HUD-VASH, Section 8, or healthcare access.
A Layered Model of Support
Program specialists at Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph like Aaron Seiwald and Yolanda Quintero help guide veterans through every stage of transition—from crisis intervention to long-term planning. Veterans are supported with housing placement, monthly goal setting, income assessments, and connections to higher education, apprenticeships, or employment opportunities.
Their innovative Shallow Subsidy program—designed for veterans needing prolonged assistance—extends help for up to two years, covering 50% of rent and utilities while encouraging financial independence. Veterans are not just stabilized; they are mentored, encouraged, and ultimately positioned for self-sufficiency.
Faith-Based Partnership in Action
The mission of Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph harmonizes with the ethos of National Invest In Veterans Week®: to restore the dignity earned through service. In addition to housing and financial aid, they offer vital wraparound services including transportation planning, resume workshops, job matching, and access to specialized healthcare navigators who assist veterans in securing VA benefits, disability services, and even dental and vision care through trusted community partners.
Their outreach extends across 18 counties in Missouri, connecting with fire departments, libraries, law enforcement, and shelters to ensure no veteran is missed. As Seiwald noted, “We will always use our resources… and if they best fit with another organization, we will send them there.” This inter-organizational collaboration exemplifies the national call of National Invest In Veterans Week®: to build a coalition of care that transcends institutional boundaries.
A Testament to Mission
In the words of Joseph Campbell, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life for something bigger than oneself.” The service of Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph to veterans during National Invest In Veterans Week® is a living testament to this truth. Their holistic and faith-driven support structure honors not just the sacrifice of veterans, but their future—restoring the economic and human capital they bring to our communities.
As we continue to grow this movement, National Invest In Veterans Week® encourages communities nationwide to look to examples like Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph—where the hands and feet of Christ are extended to those who once stood in defense of us all.
For more information about Catholic Charities of Kansas City–St. Joseph’s veteran services, visit catholiccharities-kcsj.org or contact (816) 221-4377.
Learn more about National Invest In Veterans Week® at InvestInVeteransWeek.com.
