About PVAC

Freedom is Not Free

PVAC is a non-profit organization established in 2012 and received a 501(c)(3) status in 2016 with a mission of providing assistance to struggling and homeless veterans in the Piedmont of NC. The organization is committed to improving the quality of life of the men and women who have served our country. PVAC aims to assist veterans in need and ensure they can access the necessary resources to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. The impact of PVAC's programs goes beyond the number of veterans who use them. The organization recognizes the unique challenges veterans and their families face, and that is why it has designed its programs to alleviate some of those worries, promote hope, and make possibilities favorable. Thanks to the support of generous donors, PVAC can continue to carry out the work that we believe God has placed before us.

PVAC envisioned creating a home for homeless Veterans to receive the necessary services to become self-sufficient again. In 2016, PVAC collaborated with two other organizations to establish the first Veterans Transitional Housing Program in Statesville. Iredell Statesville Community Enrichment Corporation offered a newly renovated home on Wilson Lee Blvd., while Diakonos provided management and wrap-around services. PVAC has continually been a financial donor to the Veteran Transitional Housing Program. In 2023, PVAC donated $3000 and has contributed over $130,000 to this program since its conception, which has successfully transitioned more than 70 homeless Veterans. The program has helped these Veterans gain the necessary skills to rebuild their lives and re-enter society with renewed confidence and self-sufficiency. The program's success rate is a testament to the dedication of the organizations involved and the generosity of PVAC and other donors. By supporting the Veterans Transitional Housing Program, PVAC has made a significant impact on the lives of homeless Veterans, and it's a cause we will continue supporting.

In 2023, PVAC was able to provide more than 1,200 veteran interactions, including 166 widow interactions, and many dependent family members through our Veteran Feeding Programs, which provided 1,636 boxes of food, each weighing around 40 lbs, throughout the year—additionally, 172 bags of groceries for holiday meals. Food insecurity is a problem that can affect anyone as it is one of the few expenses in a family budget that can be negotiated. PVAC believes it is not acceptable for our Veterans to have to choose between paying bills and having enough food.

Additionally, our Veteran Transportation Program covered 19,454 miles, making 202 trips for veterans to get to their medical appointments and ensuring that they arrived at their scheduled appointments on time. Volunteer drivers were present and remained on-site to ensure every veteran had a comfortable and stress-free journey. The organization recognizes that transportation can be a significant challenge for veterans, so it has designed this program to offer them a reliable and convenient service.

These provisions were made possible by over 700 volunteer opportunities that worked over 3,500 hours to maintain these programs and support PVAC's mission. The organization values the dedication and hard work of its volunteers, with whom it can provide the level of support it does. PVAC is committed to its mission and supporting Veterans and their families in their time of need.

PVAC has worked diligently to improve the lives of as many Veterans as possible. We have a great community of volunteers and utilize available resources and support systems to help us fulfill our mission. Raising funds to provide for struggling and homeless veterans through our programs helps us provide our unique support and resources. During 2023, PVAC was able to serve or provide access to service for veterans in 15 counties in NC through feeding programs, transportation, housing needs, and countless resources. 

The men, women and families that have given great sacrifice for our country deserve recognition. PVAC values each and everyone of them. Our heartfelt thanks is not enough. As of March 2024, there were over 40,000 unsheltered Veterans in the United States (VA statistics). PVAC is working to lower the number of homeless and struggling Veterans here in the Piedmont Region of NC. PVAC will continue to support these programs in memory of Pete Meletis and in an effort to eliminate homeless Veterans in the Piedmont Region.