DULUTH, Minn. (Northern News Now) - A coordinated effort across several organizations is helping local veterans transition out of homelessness and into permanent housing — and making sure they feel supported every step of the way.

Once the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) secures housing for a veteran, members of Duluth’s Elks Lodge #133 step in with what they call “Welcome Home Kits.”

The kits include nearly everything needed to set up a household — from kitchen staples to cleaning supplies — with furniture provided separately by another partnering organization at no cost.

David Martin, the Elks Lodge Veterans Chairman, began assembling the kits in 2019.

Since then, he has helped 75 veterans within a 50-mile radius get settled into their new homes.

“We’re able to, wit

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