Battle Borne launches Bring Our Veterans Home Initiative in Lehigh Valley

A Conversation With: Chris Yarnell, founder of Battle Borne 

A new community-driven initiative has been launched to address a growing need for veteran housing across the Lehigh Valley.  

The Bring Our Veterans Home Initiative, launched by the Sam Del Rosario Group at SERHANT. in partnership with Battle Borne, aims to raise $500,000 to acquire and operate transitional housing for veterans in Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties.  

LVB: What is the Bring Our Veterans Home initiative designed to do? 

Yarnell: We currently have one veterans home in Northampton County, and we’re seeing a need for so much more. Now that people have seen what we could do, we would eventually like to have a home in each county. There are shelters out there, but there is no transitional housing in many places. 

LVB: How did you get started with creating veterans transitional housing. 

This started opening my own home but we ran out of space and knew there was a need for more. 

Many veterans have issues such as PTSD and can have substance abuse issues. We’re sober living. I have managed a recovery home in the past. 

Everything we do at Battle Born is based on what I learned doing that. 

The initiative is designed to support veterans experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and challenges related to post-service reintegration. 

The ultimate goal is to provide a house in every county that needs one as far as we possibly can. 

LVB: What are some of the challenges you’re seeing? 

Yarnell: There is no women’s housing for veterans with room for children. We had a woman veteran with two kids that needed to find a place to live due to family circumstances. Imagine if we had a home where we could find room for her and her children. 

LVB: What’s your short-term goal with this fundraising campaign? 

Yarnell: If we can raise $500,000 we might be able to open two places. We’re looking at brick and mortar properties that we can acquire and own.  

Our first property has a mortgage on it, so if we don’t get any income, Battle Born has to absorb that cost. 

The maximum rent right now is $800 per month. We want them to have skin in the game, by saying you can contribute, and we have something to give back to them when they leave. But we only charge what they can afford. If we own the building and aren’t carrying a mortgage we can help people with no income. 

LVB: Who are you seeking donations from? 

Yarnell: All are welcome. Anybody can make a donation from $5 or $100 dollars, but it would be nice to get real estate industry partners and businesses involved. Naming rights are available. 

For more information about the initiative or to explore partnership opportunities, visit https://wearebattleborne.com