As Americans, we are provided with many privileges, but nothing more important than our freedom. Our story is rich with a history of heroes; men and women who fought and, in many cases, died for our gift of freedom. We call these heroes veterans.

For many veterans, once the fight is done, they find themselves in need of support. For Goodwill of Central Illinois, that support takes the form of the General Wayne A. Downing Home for Veterans, located in Peoria, Illinois.

The home was established in 2005 and is named after General Wayne Downing, a Peoria native and decorated four-star general. Trained as an Army Ranger, Downing rose to the rank of Commander-in-Chief of the United States Special Operations Command.

The residence is staffed 24/7 and is a secure and caring environment for up to 15 honorably discharged male veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Each resident has his own room, access to a large kitchen, two full bathrooms, laundry facilities, a living room, a game room, computer access and much more. 

Every veteran receives an individualized program of assistance focusing on independence. This independence can take the form of a job, education or self-reliance.

“Helping fellow veterans find their way through camaraderie and understanding is the best part of my job,” said Mel Greene, the home’s housing manager and a veteran himself. “These men know that just down the hall is someone who understands the struggles sometimes faced by those who served.”

Pat, an Army veteran at home, said, “The only thing we don’t have is what we haven’t asked for yet.” Pat went on to say that he benefits not only from what the home has to offer but also from Goodwill’s free services. 

These services include computer training, forklift operation certification, job placement assistance and more. He made it clear that the most helpful thing is access to all the veterans benefits that he had no idea existed. “I wasn’t aware of the benefits veterans get.”

The home is a holistic approach to recovery, self-reliance and most of all support - support that our veterans earned by providing us with the blanket of freedom that we so cherish. 

To find out more about the home visit goodwillpeo.org/services/general-downing-home/

For more information about Goodwill of Central Illinois, visit our website goodwillpeo.org.