By Megan Miller, Editor
CLAY – Three Hots and a Cot is an organization formed by veterans to help veterans. The organization aims to help homeless veterans transition from life on the streets to a self-sustained lifestyle. Three Hots and a Cot provides a safe place to stay, laundry, transportation, a clothes closet, resume services, support meetings and hot meals while veterans get back on their feet, which is what inspired the Trussville Networking Group to give back this holiday season.
Trussville Networking Group is comprised of 13 members, and President Lisa McClellan said the group wanted to fulfill an annual need, rather than one that becomes apparent around the holiday season.
McClellan said multiple members of Trussville Networking Group have contributed over the years to Three Hots and a Cot in some way, and they sought to fill a need on the organization’s supply list this November.
“We felt all of our efforts and funds would go 100 percent to Three Hots and a Cot, not just a percentage,” McClellan said. “We’re trying to get more involved as a community and see how we can help.”
Three Hots and a Cot has two locations, one in Clay and one in Birmingham. The Clay Veterans Center can house 26 veterans at a time, and St. Benedict’s Veterans Center can house eight veterans and a staff member.
“We figured for a community such as Trussville, it should be a breeze to fill that need consistently, instead of just one time a year,” McClellan said.
McClellan said that because the Clay Veteran’s Center is a transitional house, the people living there often subside off of processed and canned food that is brought in as a donation. Three Hots and a Cot has four freezers at the Clay facility, and the Trussville Networking Group set out to fill the freezers before Thanksgiving.
“When we got to talking about it we thought, why don’t we do a meat drive for pork, chicken, etc., and fill the freezers,” McClellan said.
The Trussville Networking Group brings catering in to Three Hots and a Cot around once a month, and McClellan said the last time she stopped by, all four freezers were almost full.
“We chose Three Hots and a Cot because most of the funds and time and energy go straight to the people that needs the help instead of you not knowing where your funds go,” McClellan said. She also said she likes that the organization is receptive to visitors and volunteers, so those in the community have the opportunity to get to know those that live in the house.
“Everyone’s needs are different, it’s not a one size fits all scenario and it’s not the same every time you go to meet with them,” McClellan said.
Trussville Networking Group is also seeking to volunteer time at Three Hots and a Cot to teach skills that may be beneficial for the veterans to reenter society.
“Sometimes they’re set up to fail because they don’t have money coming in, they don’t have rent for 4-6 months, so they don’t know how to run a household,” McClellan said. She added she’s hoping to be able to teach a budget class to those living in the house to help them once they’re required to maintain their own household.
Since opening, Three Hots and a Cot has served 934 veterans in Alabama. 715 have moved into independent housing, have reconciled with families or have moved on to another VA program. The program has seen an 82 percent success rate over the last six years.
Those wishing to get involved can make donations directly to Three Hots and a Cot. Both facilities are consistently in need of cleaning supplies, perishable foods and toiletries, as well as donations to pay utilities each month.