March 05, 2026
ALLENDALE, Mich. – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) received and distributed more than 200 pairs of boots and 70 care kits of essential items for Michigan veterans experiencing homelessness.
“The generosity behind these donations speaks volumes about our state’s commitment to those who served,” said MVAA homeless veteran coordinator Cassie Smith. “For veterans experiencing homelessness, something as simple as a sturdy pair of boots or basic hygiene products can be life changing.”
The director of Leprino Foods contacted the MVAA for assistance with donating footwear to veterans in need. Smith picked up more than 200 pairs of boots from their West Michigan location to be given to organizations for distribution. The organizations that received boots were the Veterans Affairs Homeless Program, West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program Pantry, Volunteers of America and EightCAP.
Bon Holliday, Leprino Foods director, and Andrew Mulbrect, production safety technician.
“We donated these boots because the men and women who served our country deserve more than our thanks,” said Leprino Foods director Bon Holliday. “They deserve practical support that helps them keep moving forward, one solid step at a time.”
Within the same week, 70 care kits and other essential care items were donated to Michigan Helping Others with Purpose and Empathy (HOPE). Each care kit came in a backpack and included:
Items in the care kits were graciously donated by Ajax Paving Industries, American Red Cross, Great Lakes Dental Care, Founders Brewing Co. and the Smith family.
Nick Cook, co-founder of Michigan HOPE, and Cassie Smith, MVAA homeless veteran coordinator.
“These care kits provide a lifeline to our unhoused neighbors and winter is an especially dangerous time and this support allows our outreach team to meet people with warmth, dignity and compassion,” said Michigan HOPE co-founder Greg Pratt. “We are grateful for the MVAA who recognize that every act of care can make the difference between surviving the cold and being left behind.”
For more information on how you can help veterans experiencing homelessness, please contact Cassie Smith at smithc189@michigan.gov.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency – The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.
