Credit One Bank, a major employer in the Las Vegas community, is bringing together two of their longtime partners—HomeAid Southern Nevada and U.S.VETS – Las Vegas to better meet the needs of at-risk veterans in Southern Nevada. A $434,000 commercial kitchen remodel, funded in part by Credit One Bank and designed and built by HomeAid, will enable U.S.VETS to more effectively serve three meals a day to formerly homeless veterans now living in the Las Vegas residential facility.

U.S.VETS has provided transitional and permanent housing along with employment services to veterans in the Las Vegas community since 2001. HomeAid Southern Nevada was founded in 2004 with the goal of supporting the valley's homeless population through housing and community outreach. Through Credit One Bank's involvement with both organizations, the bank recognized that U.S.VETS – Las Vegas was in need of a new kitchen to more efficiently serve veteran residents, and that HomeAid, which is sponsored by Southern Nevada Home Builders Association, could build one.

"After supporting both of these organizations and seeing the impact they have on our local community, we knew it would be a perfect fit to bring U.S.VETS – Las Vegas and HomeAid together to make this project happen," said Lenny Chide, community reinvestment officer, Credit One Bank. "We are proud to be involved with this initiative, and we look forward to seeing how the new kitchen benefits those who have served our country."

Staff members and volunteers at U.S.VETS – Las Vegas have prepared more than 400 daily meals using limited equipment since they moved to their existing space in 2001. The new facility will feature a walk-in refrigerator, walk-in food storage area, a commercial size oven and stovetop, and will be wheelchair accessible.

"The new kitchen will allow us to improve the food quality, provide better service, and eventually help teach culinary skills to veterans who want to learn to cook in preparation for permanent housing," said Shalimar Cabrera, executive director, U.S.VETS – Las Vegas. We believe that while we help veterans get jobs, and prepare them for permanent housing, we should set all the right conditions for them to succeed. This means meeting their basic needs too, which is why providing them with nutritious meals is so important. We are very excited for them to have a state-of-the art kitchen which they so deserve."

The expansion will add 1,000 square feet to the current kitchen space. Construction is expected to start in August with the goal to be fully functional and serving veterans by Thanksgiving. In addition to serving hundreds of meals per day, U.S.VETS hopes to bring in local chefs for cooking demonstrations and classes to empower veterans in the Las Vegas community to become more self-sufficient.

"We're excited to be able to build U.S.VETS a commercial kitchen here in Las Vegas as it will enhance their meal service and provide veterans with an inspiring place to learn basic life skills," said Caitlin Shea, executive director, HomeAid Southern Nevada. "This project further fulfills our dedication to engage the local community on the issue of homelessness and helps get homeless veterans back on their feet."

During the three-month construction project, U.S.VETS – Las Vegas will bring in ready-made meals and work with nonprofit groups, volunteer groups and local businesses to sponsor meal donations to ensure that its veteran community continues to receive the services they need. To donate meals during this time, please contact U.S.VETS – Las Vegas directly at lvinfo@usvetsinc.org or 702-947-4478.

Credit One Bank has been giving back to the Southern Nevada community for nearly 20 years. Since 2011, the bank has provided nearly $3 million in grants to 30 different nonprofit organizations, and an additional $3 million to a qualified community fund used to generate loans for low to moderate income individuals and families when buying a home. To further supplement the bank's values, Credit One Bank employees sit on numerous nonprofit boards, volunteer for community service projects, and regularly raise donations to assist local communities.

About HomeAid of Southern Nevada

Founded in 2004, HomeAid Southern Nevada's mission is building new lives for Southern Nevada's homeless through housing and community outreach. This mission is carried out through care days, education and awareness in the community and shelter projects. The HomeAid Southern Nevada chapter is sponsored by the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association (SNHBA). Since opening its doors, more than 95,000 square feet have been renovated, and more than 1,500 homeless children and adults have been served through the great work of countless builders, trades, sponsors and volunteers involved with HomeAid Southern Nevada. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.homeaidsn.org, call 702.794.0117 ext 100, follow on Facebook or Twitter.

About U.S.VETS

The mission of United States Veterans Initiative (U.S.VETS) is the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support. Founded in 1992, U.S.VETS is the largest non-profit organization of its kind in the United States, providing an array of support services to at-risk veterans across six states and the District of Columbia, including the Las Vegas operating site established in 2001.