Eugene Honored for Housing Hundreds of Veterans

EUGENE, Ore. — Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and Lane County Commissioner Pat Farr were both honored at the White House for helping hundreds of homeless veterans.

Mayor Piercy said it was a whirlwind trip lasting about three days. Although it was quick, she said it was a very important trip for our city and for our nation.

First Lady Michelle Obama invited Mayor Piercy and Commissioner Farr to the event, which took place in the east wing of the White House. The event brought together community leaders from around the country who participated in the First Lady’s initiative to end veteran homelessness.

Mayor Piercy said the city’s “Operation 365” initiative was very successful. She said their goal was to house one veteran every day for a year. They exceeded that number, and housed 404 veterans.

She also wanted to praise their key partners in this effort, including St. Vincent de Paul and the VA.