Under the direction of Ken Fabiani, PER, Veterans Chair, and Bill Morehouse, program coordinator, the Zephyrhills Elks Lodge Veterans Committee continues to use the Elks National Veterans Service Commission Welcome Home Kit program to furnish veterans’ homes as they settle into their new homes upon completion of a recovery program. Furnishings and household items are provided through donations and purchases funded from the kit program.
On April 26, veteran David Thorpe had the bedroom in his new shared home furnished with help from the lodge's Antlers youth group. When he saw the Antlers and families and advisors roll up with a trailer full of furniture, his eyes opened wide in amazement and he smiled from ear to ear! Everyone jumped in to help him set up his new home.
Pictured are Linnea Fonslet, Antler; Anne McDonald, Antlers advisor; David Thorpe, veteran; Bill Morehouse, lodge Welcome Home Kit coordinator; and Skyler Oberman, Dane Fonslet and Mikel Oberman, Antlers.
On May 3, 2025, veteran Ronald Link had his new home furnished by the Lodge’s Veterans Committee with help from the Lodge's Antlers youth group. When he saw the Elks, Antlers, and the Antlers family and advisors arrive with a trailer full of furniture, he practically ran down the stairs of his second-floor apartment!
Pictured are Matthew Collins and Joe Collins, volunteers; Skyler Oberman and Mikel Oberman, Antlers; Mike Calabrese, Bill Morehouse’s nephew; Ron Link, veteran; Bill Morehouse, lodge Welcome Home Kit coordinator; and Charles Foust, Antlers Advisor.
“This has turned a terrible day into a great day!” That’s what veteran Daniel Ross said May 7 when he saw Bill Morehouse and his nephew, Mike Calabrese, show up with a trailer full of furniture and household items for his new apartment. Incredibly thankful, he helped them unload the trailer and fill up his empty apartment.
Pictured are Mike Calabrese, volunteer; Daniel Ross, veteran; and Bill Morehouse lodge Welcome Home Kit coordinator.
On May 25, veteran Kevin Walker had his new apartment furnished after he left a homeless shelter. He didn’t realize how much help he was about to receive until he saw Bill Morehouse arrive with a trailer full of furniture. He was overwhelmed by the support.
Bill Morehouse and Kevin Walker are pictured.