The Hiller Companies has a long history of giving back to support veterans in need, demonstrating a deep and ongoing commitment to those who have served our country. That commitment has extended across the Volunteers of America network, where Hiller has built a strong and meaningful partnership rooted in shared values and a focus on impact.
So, when VOA Illinois introduced VOA Southeast to The Hiller Companies, it was no surprise that their first step was to quickly lean in and understand the needs of the veterans we serve. They turned that insight into action by designing a service project for their annual Leadership Summit—one that would directly support veterans we serve as they transition into stable housing.
What followed was a hands-on, high-energy effort where leaders from across the company came together in a fun, friendly competition to assemble Welcome Home Kits. Each kit represents more than essential items. It reflects Hiller’s dedication to ensuring veterans feel supported, welcomed, and prepared as they begin a new chapter.
A Practical Volunteer Activity with Real Impact
Summit participants split into teams and packed Welcome Home Kits — thoughtfully assembled packages intended to help veterans transitioning into housing get off to a strong start. The activity was both a team-building experience and a practical way of supporting veterans who are moving from homelessness or unstable housing into safe, stable homes.
Why Welcome Home Kits Matter
Small, practical items can make a big difference during the first days in a new home. Welcome Home Kits help veterans meet immediate needs while they adjust to independent living, and they send a powerful message: someone cares and the community is willing to help. Relationships like these and volunteer-driven initiatives are essential to creating lasting stability for veterans.
Chad Cheshire, Director of Homelessness and Prevention Services for VOA Southeast, was invited to speak about our Veterans Services during the Summit. He described VOA Southeast’s work with to end and prevent homelessness and highlighted the organization’s housing, health, and human service programs. Serving communities across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, VOA Southeast focuses on providing safe housing, wraparound supports, and pathways to stability for veterans and others in need.
The Impact of Collaboration
The collaboration between The Hiller Companies and VOA Southeast is an example of how corporate partners and nonprofit service providers can combine resources, volunteer energy, and expertise to create meaningful outcomes. The activity was the result of intentional planning—Hiller first connected with VOA after hosting a similar volunteer project with VOA Illinois during their annual conference in Chicago, and they worked closely with VOA Southeast staff to replicate and tailor the effort for veterans in our region. That continuity—Hiller’s ongoing partnership with VOA across affiliates—helped streamline logistics, maximize volunteer engagement, and ensure each Welcome Home Kit met the practical needs of veterans moving into housing. Hiller’s Leadership Summit provided not only volunteer hands but also a platform for education — increasing awareness of veterans’ needs and the local services available to meet them.
“Collaborations with partners like The Hiller Companies allow VOA Southeast to provide essential items that support veterans as they transition into housing, helping reduce the likelihood of returning to homelessness,” said Cheshire. “Together we’re changing outcomes for veterans across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.”
Along with Chad, several other team members from VOA Southeast joined the event and participated in the Welcome Home Kit competition. They included: Leslie Alfaro, James Giordanella, Josh Giordanella, Lynn Malone, Anita Wall, Tanya Montgomery, Rhondoyln Johnson, Julianna WIlliams, Kathy Smith, Myra Green, Cherlyn Bills, Faith Spinks, Nicole Rosser, Takiyah Gibbs, and Callie Johnson.
How You Can Help
If you’d like to support VOA Southeast’s work with veterans or learn more about the services they offer, we invite you to visit our website. To support the important work VOA Southeast is doing for veterans, individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals in need of affordable housing and more, please click the button below: