On July 17, Gainesville Elks Lodge #990 hosted 40 veterans who were transitioning from homelessness into their own residences. The lodge used the Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant paired with the 150th Anniversary Grant and state matching funds to purchase all needed items for the veterans to set up their homes. Purchases ranged from cleaning supplies to pots and pans, dishes, towels, blankets, and a wide variety of household and kitchen appliances. Veterans and their HUDVASH social workers were invited for lunch and veterans were given “play money” to purchase the items they needed. This will be a continuing project for Gainesville Lodge as the number of homeless veterans in the area is increasing.