The Hiller Companies has a long history of giving back to support veterans in need.
That commitment reflects deep respect for those who have served our country. It also extends across the Volunteers of America network. Through that work, Hiller has built a strong partnership rooted in shared values and a focus on impact. So, when VOA Illinois introduced VOA Southeast to The Hiller Companies, the connection made sense.
From the start, Hiller leaned in. Their team wanted to understand the needs of the veterans we serve. Then, they turned that insight into action. For their annual Leadership Summit, Hiller designed a service project with a clear purpose. The goal was to directly support veterans as they transition into stable housing.
A Practical Volunteer Activity with Real Impact
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.
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. For veterans moving into housing, Welcome Home Kits help meet immediate needs. They also offer reassurance during a major transition.
Just as important, each kit sends a clear message: someone cares, and the community is ready to help. Because of that, partnerships like this matter. Volunteer-driven efforts help create the support veterans need to build lasting stability.
VOA Southeast’s Director of Homelessness and Prevention Services was invited to speak during the Summit.
During his remarks, he shared more about VOA Southeast’s Veterans Services. He also described the organization’s work to end and prevent homelessness.
In addition, he highlighted VOA Southeast’s housing, health, and human service programs. Across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, these programs help provide safe housing, wraparound support, and pathways to stability.
Together, these services support veterans and others in need as they work toward a stronger future.
Community Support in Action
The Impact of Collaboration
The collaboration between The Hiller Companies and VOA Southeast shows what can happen when corporate partners and nonprofit service providers work together.
Together, they combined resources, volunteer energy, and expertise to support veterans moving into housing.
The project also came together through intentional planning. Hiller first connected with VOA after hosting a similar volunteer project with VOA Illinois during its annual conference in Chicago. From there, Hiller worked closely with VOA Southeast staff to bring the effort to veterans in our region.
Because of that ongoing partnership across VOA affiliates, the project moved smoothly. It streamlined logistics. It increased volunteer engagement. Most importantly, it helped ensure each Welcome Home Kit included practical items veterans need as they settle into housing.
The Power of Partnership
In addition, Hiller’s Leadership Summit created space for education. Volunteers learned more about veterans’ needs and the local services available to support 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 the Director. “Together, we’re changing outcomes for veterans across Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.”
Along with the Director, several VOA Southeast team members joined the event and took part 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: