TRIBUTE TO ROBERT G. SARLO (House of Representatives - April 19, 1990)

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Mr. HANSEN. Mr. Speaker, Robert G. Sarlo, founder and director of the Homeless Veterans Fellowship, is a former Vietnam veteran currently employed by the Department of Defense in Ogden UT. As is true of many veterans, Bob found that some of the most difficult battles he had to fight--both from without and within--were not in a foreign land, but right here in America after he returned home. His many struggles included a period of homelessness, which, according to Bob, brought him to the mercy and healing power of God, and set him on the path to recovery and a renewed life of productivity and service.

Bob is a man of great caring and empathy, and has a deep sensitivity for the pain and suffering of his human family. In early 1989, he became increasingly aware of the growing number of homeless in the Ogden, UT area where he lives, and began mingling with these street folks. He was alarmed to discover that the majority of the homeless men, several hundred in Ogden alone, were veterans. For many of these, his brothers in arms, the war was still raging; others had totally abandoned hope and accepted defeat.

Upon exploring the various services available to veterans, Bob was dismayed to find that homeless veterans were typically warehoused from shelter to shelter, with no opportunity to regain the dignity they had sacrificed in service to their country or to be reintegrated into society as healthy, productive citizens. Bob quickly recognized the need for a nontraditional approach to serving the veterans, and envisioned a project to set up a transitional home for veterans wherein they could be safely incubated while they received the counseling, training, and nurturing needed to enable them to stand on their own feet.

After identifying two HUD homes centrally located in Ogden City, Bob persuaded HUD officials at the local, regional and national level to grant him for $1 per year leases on these houses, overcoming the first major obstacle bringing his vision to reality. Bob's plan, as you can imagine, met with considerable opposition from neighboring residents, and the Ogden City Council was initially hesitant to endorse the transitional housing project. However Bob's sincere, honest presentation, his unflappable commitment and his compelling arguments in favor of the benefits to both veterans and the community as a whole finally won the hearts of his opponents and the project received city approval.

Now, keep in mind this is not done by Government grants, this is not asking the Government for anything; this is a man on his own deciding he is going to help his buddies and the fellows he worked with in Vietnam. He said, `Let us get together, guys, and we are going to find you a home. You don't have to live under a culvert, you don't have to live out in the street, we are going to do something for you.'

Bob then turned to the State of Utah and was given $15,000 to help rehabilitate and operate the two houses. This is the only place I know where he got money from the Government to operate these two houses.

Bob then single handedly rallied the enthusiastic support of local businesses and charitable organizations; he went to places that had closed up like the old hotel in Utah. He said, `Let us have some of your furniture,' and they gladly gave it to him.

The two homes are now well stocked with furniture, clothing and food, offering housing for up to eight men.

Mr. Speaker, The Homeless Veteran's Fellowship, as Bob's dream is now known, welcomed its first resident just after Christmas. The man, upon arriving at the house, was amazed to learn he had not been offered just another cot and blanket in a cold, impersonal shelter, but in his elated words, `a home.' And with a home comes hope and help and the opportunity to start a new life with dignity. Today, years after we have left Vietnam, Bob states with great caring and conviction, `There are still wounded out there, and I'm going in after them.'

Bob Sarlo has my deepest respect and admiration. He is a shining example of what President Bush meant when he spoke of a thousand points of light; of a people caring and sharing. He saw a problem many people in America were otherwise ignoring, and chose to act because he really cared and shared. He represents the best in all of us, and demonstrates just how big a difference one man can indeed make.

I really acknowledge a great young man, a veteran who decided upon his own to try to turn around and help people. That is what America is really about, those who we know in our own hearts and minds want to share and help those who are less fortunate than we are.

Bob Sarlo is a great example of that.

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HVF Update

Reginald "Reggie" Burnaugh, past director of HVF helped see Bob's dream become a reality. As original tenants moved out, rentals were discontinued and the two buildings were renovated to make them more suitable and comfortable for their increasing number of veteran occupants. With volunteers from the community, the men and women in the program renovated the grounds to a beautiful, park-like setting.

Two additional buildings have also been added to the program. One, adjacent to the original property, was completely gutted and renovated to offer comfortable living quarters for program participants.

The staff at HVF has also increased making it possible to offer sorely needed services. There is now an Employment Counselor, two licensed social workers--a Substance Abuse Counselors, and a Clinical Social Worker--in the facility full time. Volunteers still man the drop-in center and program participants maintain the grounds and buildings in excellent condition.

With continued community partnership in the way of financial support, services, goods, and other donations HVF will continue to grow and expand the services it offers.

Reggie sees a great future for HVF as it continues to provide essential services needed to restore our deserving veterans to their proper and respected place in our society.

PDC, Nov 2004