Volunteers of America facts for kids
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| Founded | March 8, 1896 |
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| Founders | Ballington Booth, Maud Booth |
| Type | Faith-based Charity |
| Headquarters | Alexandria, Virginia, U.S. |
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Area served
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United States, Puerto Rico |
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Employees
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16,000 |
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Volunteers
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60,000 |
Volunteers of America (VOA) is a special organization that helps people across the United States. It was started in 1896. VOA focuses on providing homes that people can afford. They also offer other important services.
VOA helps many different people. This includes veterans, older adults with lower incomes, and families with children. They also support people who are experiencing homelessness. People with intellectual disabilities and those recovering from addiction also get help. VOA assists people who have been in prison and are now rejoining society. Each year, VOA helps about 1.5 million people.
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History of Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America was created on March 8, 1896. It was founded by a couple named Ballington Booth and Maud Booth. They were social reformers, meaning they worked to improve society. Ballington Booth's father, William Booth, started the Salvation Army. Ballington and Maud used to work for the Salvation Army in the United States.
They were very good at helping the Salvation Army grow. They also expanded its social work. But they had some disagreements with other leaders. So, the Booths decided to leave and start their own organization. This new group became Volunteers of America.
In the early 1900s, VOA started many helpful programs. They opened places to help people find jobs. They also had stores where things were cheaper. They gave out clothes and offered medical help. Women could take sewing classes. They even provided Thanksgiving meals and places to read.
When the Great Depression happened in the 1930s, many people lost jobs and homes. VOA stepped up to help. They opened soup kitchens and "Penny Pantries." At these pantries, every food item cost just one cent.
By the 1960s, VOA was known for its thrift stores. They also had yearly fundraising events. One famous event was the Sidewalk Santa campaign in New York City. Later, VOA started to focus more on providing housing for people in need. This happened after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was created.
Volunteers of America is now one of the biggest charities in the U.S. They are known for providing affordable homes. These homes are for older adults, families with lower incomes, and people with disabilities.
Why the Name 'Volunteers of America'?
Today, "volunteering" usually means helping without getting paid. But when VOA started in 1896, it meant something different. Back then, a "volunteer" was someone who dedicated their full time to helping others. It was like a job, but focused on serving the community.
The founders chose the name "Volunteers of America" for a special reason. They wanted to show that their organization was created by Americans, for Americans. This helped them stand out from other groups.
It might surprise you, but most people who work for VOA are paid staff. They are not unpaid volunteers. Over 16,000 paid professionals work there. They include nurses, therapists, housing experts, and many other roles. These dedicated people help VOA carry out its important mission every day.
Helping with Homes
Volunteers of America is a big helper when it comes to housing. As of 2017, they owned or managed about 19,000 affordable homes. These homes provide a safe place for nearly 25,000 people each year.
A magazine called Affordable Housing Finance recognized VOA's work. In 2009, they named VOA the top nonprofit for owning affordable housing. They also praised VOA for developing new affordable homes. One of VOA's housing communities, Lord Tennyson near San Francisco, was even called the "best of the best" affordable housing project in 2007.
VOA also reaches out to people who are homeless. They have teams that go out into cities. These teams offer help and support to people living on the streets.
Supporting Children, Youth, and Families
Volunteers of America also does a lot for kids and families. In 2017, they gave a backpack to every student living in New York City shelters. This was part of a bigger effort. Over 14 years, VOA has donated more than 140,000 backpacks. This helps kids have the supplies they need for school.
