PHOTO INFORMATION: State Reps. Jamie Thompson (second from left), of Brownstown, and Rylee Linting (right), of Grosse Ile Township, recently welcomed Downriver for Veterans Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ann Rudisill (second from right) and Board Member Monika “Mooney” Anthony to Lansing for a House Families and Veterans Committee hearing on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

Rudisill, who is a United States Air Force Veteran, testified on the need for more detailed veteran benefit screening and registration efforts upon discharge to ensure veterans have access to care and knowledge about available resources, as well as housing. There are approximately 2,500 homeless veterans in Michigan.

Downriver for Veterans is a nonprofit organization that supports veterans in Downriver communities with emergency funds to assist them with rent, meals, utilities, car repairs and other essential life expenses. The organization is also actively exploring the development of pre-fabricated homes for homeless veterans in the area. Rudisill said she works with veterans who are experiencing Posttraumatic stress disorder, dealing with a divorce or are no longer able to afford rent, leading to homelessness.

Linting and Thompson represent areas of Wayne County within the 27^th and 28^th House districts, respectively. Thompson serves on the House Families and Veterans Committee.