To address homelessness in the Grand Strand areas of Horry County, S.C., American Legion Auxiliary Unit 186 was awarded a $10,000 Veteran Projects Fund grant from the American Legion Auxiliary Foundation to complete a room addition to the veteran’s building at The Compass. Formerly North Strand Housing Shelter, The Compass provides emergency and transitional shelter for veterans, families with children, and individuals, helping them regain independence to re-enter the community. 
 
In addition to providing shelter, The Compass also provides mental health services, case management support, spiritual wellness opportunities, and life skills for their residents. This is the second Veteran Projects Fund grant awarded to ALA Unit 186 for a project at The Compass. The first was for materials to build a wheelchair ramp for the veteran’s building, which was constructed on Sept. 9, 2017, as part of the shelter’s National Day of Service and Remembrance Project.
 
The room addition to the veteran’s building is about more than just increasing capacity; it expands the facility’s ability to serve residents. The addition is being used to accommodate child care for resident parents working nights or weekends and as a separate area for classes, counseling, and medical visits. Prior to having this additional space, veteran residents had to use their personal rooms for counseling and medical visits, as well as social visits from family and friends. 
 
ALA Unit 186 has been involved with The Compass since its opening in December 2010. ALA Foundation Board of Directors Secretary Anne Parker knew Executive Director Dana Black from church and joined The Compass’ board of trustees as their secretary. Black reached out to Parker for help with accounting software QuickBooks, and 14 years later, Parker remains an active member of the board. Black joined the Auxiliary in 2012, eligible under her father’s military service, and she serves as Unit 186 chaplain. 
 
When unit members are not garnering financial support for The Compass, they are active in collecting paper goods and volunteering their time.