Serving Veterans

Our Commitment in 2026-2027

Welcome Home Kit Program

Our Welcome Home Kit Program helps veterans transitioning from homelessness into permanent housing by providing a kit filled with 24 essential household items. From kitchen necessities to everyday household basics, each kit helps transform an empty apartment into a comfortable home, giving veterans the practical support they need as they begin their next chapter. 

P.A.W.S. (Partners Assisting Warriors & Service Animals) - $2,000 Beacon Grant

P.A.W.S. helps ensure veterans' companion animals receive nutritious food throughout the year. By caring for the pets that provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support, we help improve the well-being of both veterans and their faithful companions.

Operation Veteran Support - $10,000 Focus Grant

Through Operation Veteran Support, our members will provide:

• Hygiene kits for men and women

• First aid supplies

• Professional business attire

• Nonperishable food

• Bottled water

Members work alongside local Scout troops to assemble hygiene and first aid kits, demonstrating the power of community service across generations.

$1,000 Freedom Grant

Our lodge will continue supporting the West Los Angeles VA Campus CDCE Food Pantry by providing nonperishable food items. Having a nearby food pantry helps veterans transitioning from homelessness focus on building stable, independent lives.

Community Veteran Events

Each June and December, Santa Monica Elks Lodge #906 participates in veteran outreach events at the West LA VA Campus.

These special days include:

• Lunch served to approximately 600 veterans

• Live entertainment provided by a band made up of veterans who live on the VA campus

• Resource booths offering clothing, hygiene items, household necessities, and other essential supplies

These events are about more than meeting immediate needs—they provide fellowship, appreciation, and a reminder to every veteran that they are valued.

Our Impact in 2025-2026

Welcome Home Kit Program

323 Veterans Served
$102,454.07 in Household Essentials Provided

Our members assembled and delivered 323 Welcome Home Kits to veterans transitioning into permanent housing on the West Los Angeles VA Campus. Each kit included essential household items, cleaning supplies, linens, kitchenware, and small appliances—helping veterans turn an empty apartment into a place they could truly call home.

$10,000 Focus Grant

Through an Elks National Foundation Focus Grant, our lodge provided food, clothing, bottled water, hygiene supplies, and first aid items to veterans receiving services on the West Los Angeles VA Campus.

$1,000 Freedom Grant

Our Freedom Grant helped stock the food pantry on the West Los Angeles VA Campus, ensuring veterans had access to nutritious food and everyday necessities.

Making a Difference Together

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our members, volunteers, community partners, and the support of the Elks National Foundation. Every donation, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness helps us honor the men and women who have served our country.

Together, we are making a lasting difference—one veteran at a time.