Nonprofit receives $5,000 grant for Veterans Relief Fund

POST FALLS — Forty-eight hours and $300.

That's all that stood between Army veteran Joseph Vosahlo and a stable home.

“I was about $300 shy on moving into a new apartment after living in my van basically all of winter,” Vosahlo said Thursday.

Vosahlo worked in field artillery during his five years of service and was deployed to South Korea from 2018-2019. He said he was OK living the van life and would often stay at his girlfriend’s house to warm up, but a true home was necessary for his 8-year-old son and 4-year-old stepdaughter.

"I needed a place to be," he said.

When family couldn't help, one of his friends who also served in the military suggested he ask Newby-ginnings of North Idaho if the nonprofit could help with the money.

“I called them, asked a couple questions, they said, ‘Yes, but our fund is kind of low, so we need to know what you’re using it for,'" Vosahlo said, seated in a chair in Newby-ginnings founder Theresa Hart's office.

"We figured it out — they were able to assist me with the $300 and I moved in the very next day," he said. "I think the check was in in 48 hours."

“I got it in the mail that day,” Hart said. 

The money was available through the Newby-ginnings Veterans Relief Fund, a dedicated account set aside for financial emergencies such as when help is needed with rent, utilities and maintaining storage units.

"We want to make sure that the power stays on," Hart said. "They need a little bit of help getting over a speed bump."

The fund was just awarded a $5,000 grant from Homes for Heroes, a national program that has been providing real estate savings for active service military and veterans, first responders, law enforcement, teachers and health care professionals since 9/11.

Newby-ginnings received the news April 1 that it had been awarded the grant, the application for which was submitted by mortgage lender and Homes for Heroes partner Kathy Colkitt.

Colkitt was introduced to Hart and Newby-ginnings through Homes for Heroes activities a year ago.

"I met Theresa, we had a beautiful heart-to-heart talk, she shared her story and why she's here," Colkitt said. "It's amazing what she does. Everything here is of no cost. The amount of people that they serve is astronomical."

Hart established Newby-ginnings in honor of her son, Idaho National Guard Spc. Nick Newby, who was killed by a roadside bomb while deployed to Iraq in July 2011. A former nurse, Hart made it her mission to help service members and veterans who are struggling, whether they need food, clothing, home goods or simply a friend to listen.

About 175 people visit Newby-ginnings every day, Hart said. In 2024, Newby-ginnings helped about 25,000 people.

She said the Veterans Relief Fund isn't really advertised.

"Our veterans have a hard time walking through that door," Hart said. "If they need assistance, they come in, they ask for assistance for what they need. It's very humble for them, it's hard for them to do and we're always so happy to help."

Vosahlo said he didn't know the fund existed before he found himself in crisis, although he had been a client of Newby-ginnings since about 2021.

"I never asked for it," he said. "I don’t want to have to ask for it. It was kind of embarrassing to have to call, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Even coming here the first time I was super shy about it."

Then Hart came out "like a bubble of joy" and she and her team embraced Vosahlo and his children like family, he said.

“I think it’s an amazing place," Vosahlo said. “It’s honestly a godsend and a lifesaver."

Hart's heart was touched when she heard Vosahlo's story, as she deeply feels for veterans and military families who experience hardships.

She said Newby-ginnings is kind of like an emergency room.

"We take care of these immediate problems and these immediate needs, but we don’t get to hear very often what it actually means to the person," she said. "That means a lot to be able to hear that we made that much of an impact on him, because that’s why we’re here."

Visit newbyginnings.org to donate to the Veterans Relief Fund and for details about Newby-ginnings.

    Army veteran Joseph Vosahlo on Thursday discusses how the Newby-ginnings Veterans Relief Fund came to his rescue when he fell $300 short as he worked to move out of his van and into an apartment. Also pictured: Newby-ginnings program manager Drew McConnell, center, and founder Theresa Hart.