The Southwest District, in coordination with Bradenton Elks Lodge #1511 and Manasota Elks Lodge #2734, provided Marine veteran and recent Florida resident Sharif Elwardany with assistance in finding permanent housing, car repairs and other immediate needs. Elwardany received $1,000 from the district, and both lodges put him in contact with Veterans Village, an organization with temporary housing; Manatee County Turning Points Yellow Ribbon Program for personal hygiene, household goods, clothing, housing, and related items; and the C.W. Young VA Medical Center Elks representative for an emergency kit through the Veterans Administration. Veterans apply to the VA for registration, complete an application and submit unpaid bills, such as car repairs, electric bills, etc., that the vet was behind on. Then the government, through the VA, pays the vendors. Eligible veterans can get up to $2,500 in support.

Pictured Aug. 5 are Bob Erwin, PDD of Bradenton Lodge; veteran Sharif Elwardany; and Bill Rauh, Bradenton Lodge Veterans Chair.