Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Receives Grant to Support Transitional Housing Program Veterans in Port Orchard
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) announced that their Transitional Housing Program (THP) at Building 10 in Port Orchard has been awarded a grant totaling $10,000 from the Gig Harbor Elks Lodge #2560. The funding will expand community engagement opportunities and direct support for Veterans working toward stable housing and long-term independence.
This grant marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between Building 10 THP and the Gig Harbor Elks Lodge #2560, an alliance that began in 2025 when Elks representative Jenny Dooley, then a Home Health Care Nurse, visited the facility and expressed interest in supporting local Veterans. Her outreach led to a tour, a conversation, and ultimately a collaboration that has continued to grow.
“Gig Harbor Elks Lodge values and honor our Veterans and their service," said Elks Lodge Veteran Committee Chairman Jenny Dooley. "It is our pleasure to support transitional Veterans by offering engaging activities, providing an environment to empower themselves, and tools to be successful."
The Gig Harbor Elks Lodge #2560 recently provided a $10,000 donation to the Building 10 Transitional Housing Program in Port Orchard. Pictured from left to right: Carrie Cooke, Scarlett Mancil, Jenny Dooley, Anne Swinney and Bernice Petty.
Since that first meeting, the Elks have provided Welcome Home Kits—valued up to $450 each—to Veterans transitioning into permanent housing. These kits have helped ensure that Veterans who secure housing have essential household items to begin their next chapter. The Lodge has also sponsored 13 Veterans to attend its annual New York Roast Veterans Day Dinner at no cost, strengthening social connection and community belonging.
Dooley recently retired from nursing and now dedicates more time to Elks community service efforts, including expanding support for Building 10 THP. She worked closely with WDVA staff on this year’s grant submission and identified additional Elks grant opportunities, including volunteer engagement and a potential beautification project for the facility.
Future partnership activities and donation funds are planned to be used for:
- Fishing outings for Veterans
- Craft kits – leather making kits, birdhouse making kits
- Ice cream socials and BBQ gatherings
- Gift cards – for groceries and gas cards
- Transportation support to increase Veteran participation in the 2026 Veterans Day Dinner
- Beautification projects led by Elks volunteers
- Veterans Day Prime Rib dinner – this would include increased transportation for more Veterans to attend
- Enhanced move out kits – these kits will include cleaning supplies, household products and more for transitional housing program clients who graduate from the program and move into their new homes
“Our Building 10 Transitional Housing Program is always looking to expand community engagement options in the Kitsap area, so this partnership has been incredibly meaningful,” said WDVA Building 10 Transitional Housing Program staff member, Bernice Petty. “The Elks Lodge has shown consistent dedication to our Veterans, and this grant will help us expand opportunities that build confidence, belonging, connection, and stability.”
For more information about WDVA’s Transitional Housing Program, visit the Veterans Transitional Housing Program webpage.
About the Transitional Housing Program:
Transitional housing programs in Port Orchard and Orting give Veterans a safe place to stay while they get back on their feet. These facilities offer job training, career support, and help finding work. Veterans are supported every step of the way by caring staff and services designed to meet their needs so they can successfully complete the program and return to their communities with confidence.
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