Valley Vets Distribute 75 Backpacks to Support Homeless Veterans

Valley Vets, a local veterans organization, organized an impactful event on October 24, 2025, in Conyngham, Pennsylvania, where members filled 75 backpacks with essential supplies for homeless veterans. This initiative aimed to support the FSB Initiative, a nonprofit that assists veterans in transitioning off the streets.

The Valley Vets, Post No. 8161 of Veterans of Foreign Wars, initially sought to gather supplies for only 50 backpacks. The response from the community exceeded expectations, with contributions from local residents, businesses, and churches. Items collected included thermal underwear, hand warmers, gloves, socks, winter hats, and snacks.

Cheryl Thomas, president of the Valley Vets auxiliary, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support. “It seemed to be quite a large project and almost impossible to achieve, but like our veterans, we didn’t quit,” she noted, writing about the community’s collaborative efforts.

The campaign began in July, following a call for donations. In August, letters were sent out to solicit help, leading to an influx of supplies from various donors, including Amazon, Christ Lutheran Church, and local businesses.

Collaborating for Change

The Valley Vets partnered with the FSB Initiative, founded by Chaz Kraynak, a veteran who experienced homelessness himself less than a decade ago. The initiative is focused on locating and supporting homeless veterans, particularly in Pennsylvania and Ohio, with branches also established in Florida and Tennessee.

“About 23% of homeless individuals are veterans,” Kraynak explained. When the FSB Initiative’s teams find veterans, they encourage them to seek assistance from the local Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre. Kraynak identifies addiction and mental health issues as significant contributors to veteran homelessness. If veterans agree to visit the VA, they receive crucial medical and mental health screenings, which can lead to treatment for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.

For single adults with two years of continuous service, the Grant and Per Diem Program offers transitional housing and case management. Veterans with families can access similar support through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has allocated approximately $818 million to organizations assisting homeless veterans, including $16 million in Pennsylvania, where the Commission on Economic Opportunity plays a vital role.

Making a Difference

While the aim is to help veterans secure stable housing, Kraynak emphasizes that the FSB Initiative also addresses the immediate needs of those who might not agree to VA services. “We’ll make them comfortable, but not so comfortable that they say, ‘I can make it through the winter,’” he stated, indicating the organization’s commitment to encouraging veterans to seek long-term solutions.

Since its inception in 2019, the FSB Initiative has successfully assisted 250 veterans in finding housing. The 75 backpacks filled by Valley Vets are expected to be distributed quickly, especially during the holiday season at Camp Orchard Hill, a facility that has provided temporary shelter for homeless men since 2008. This year, the camp will open from December 15 to 22, with local churches and community groups providing meals and other support.

Jim Payne, director of Orchard Hill, praised the FSB Initiative for its tangible impact. “I have personally witnessed them help veterans get off the street and immediately into housing,” he stated, highlighting the effectiveness of their work.

For those interested in supporting the FSB Initiative, Kraynak noted that all contributions are volunteer-driven. “If you’re doing it for money, you’re not doing it for the right reasons,” he remarked.

To learn more about the FSB Initiative or to make a donation, visit their website at https://fsbinc.org/.