How can a national organization like Tunnel to Towers effectively collaborate with local communities to combat veteran homelessness and provide sustainable support?

Zack Knight sits down with Lynda Cox, the VP for Development and Government Affairs at the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, they discuss the organization's mission to eradicate veteran homelessness and provide comprehensive support through their national case management network. Lynda shares the foundation's humble beginnings, inspired by the heroic actions of firefighter Stephen Siller on 9/11, and how it has grown to help veterans and first responders nationwide. She emphasizes the importance of collaborating with local service providers and understanding the unique needs of each community to address the root causes of homelessness effectively. Throughout the conversation, Zack and Lynda highlight the role of organizations like Tunnel to Towers and Advancing in Line in providing holistic support, from housing to workforce development and entrepreneurship opportunities.

[00:00 - 07:06] Advancing in Line's Mission and Growth

• Update on Advancing in Line's recent initiatives, including the VetOps program for professional development
• Advancing in Line celebrates its one-year anniversary as an official 501(c)(3) organization
• Tunnel to Towers Introduction

[07:07 - 13:26] The Beginnings of Tunnel to Towers

• Tunnel to Towers was founded in memory of firefighter Stephen Siller, who lost his life on 9/11
• The foundation initially focused on supporting widows and orphans created that day
• Tunnel to Towers expanded its mission to help injured veterans and first responders

[13:27 - 20:10] Eradicating Veteran Homelessness: A Bold Mission

• Tunnel to Towers declared its mission to eradicate veteran homelessness
• The foundation has helped over 4,000 veterans and their families come off the streets in the last two years
• Lynda emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and collaborating with local communities

[20:11 - 31:12] The Power of the National Case Management Network

• Tunnel to Towers' national case management network 
• The network consists of over a thousand service providers nationwide, addressing veterans' specific needs
• Lynda highlights the importance of not just providing housing, but also addressing the root causes of homelessness

[31:13 - 37:22] Translating Military Experience to Civilian Success

• Veterans often struggle to translate their military experience to the civilian world
• Zack and Lynda discuss the challenges of transitioning from the military to civilian life
• Tunnel to Towers aims to provide holistic support, including workforce development and self-actualization

Key Quotes:

"The very least we can do is make sure that you have dignity and security for the rest of your life." - Lynda Cox

"There's so much opportunity in this room to take action, to take the next step, to advance the line" - Zack Knight

The Tactical Leader is powered by Advancing the Line for Veterans, a 501c3 supporting veteran professional development. If you or someone you know is passionate about supporting the veteran community, please head over to ATLVets.org/22aday and take action to support our veterans.