info@withoutheroes.com
Tel: 803-216-5407
Columbia, SC 29201
ABOUT WITHOUT HEROES
From the Homepage:
Dear Friends,
I didn't plan for this at the start. But life has a way of taking us on unexpected journeys, and this one began with a simple lunch with a homeless veteran. That encounter sparked a debate in my mind that boiled down to two questions: If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, then when?
My theory was simple: personal, consistent involvement can create lasting change. I started building friendships with homeless veterans. When comfortable, I had them create action plans with me to reach the goal of lasting stability. Even if I could impact only one or two lives at a time, wasn't that a worthy cause?
It is very much a worthy cause. But the enormous volume of need forced a difficult choice: step away or ask for help?
A NOTE FROM OUR FOUNDER
About our Fight to Support Our Veterans
The stories from these veterans are crushing. Most are on the streets due to the military's inhumane decisions made worse by equally horrible practices of states and local communities. Because of PTSD, race, bigotry and other unsavory issues, many Vietnam Veterans recieved dishonorable (or less-than-honorable) discharges. They are denied benefits, jobs, and a support network of their fellow veterans. This scarlet letter leaves them unable to build even the meagerest of lives. While better in some regard, this still goes on with Post 9/11 veterans. Next states and communities often throw them out of programs after a couple of months and some force bus them to other states. The stories of mistreatment would darken your soul.
Just look at the skyrocketing suicide rates among veterans. It is evidence of the challenges they endure because of our failiure. It's time for us to acknowledge our government's role in their struggles and take responsibility as a people.
Even though I never intended to establish Without Heroes, I won't back down from this fight. The road to this decision was possible because of a core group of friends who supported me when things got real. You guys had my back. You are my real-life superheroes and I can't thank you enough. However, the road ahead is challenging, and we need community buy-in to make a lasting impact.
We need more people standing up, ready to act. That's what our organization is about - a direct-action nonprofit with a mission to meet the specific resource needs of these veterans. We do not raise funds for any other reason. When you give, they receive. You know your contibution will change the life of a homeless veteran.
These veterans have earned our suppprt and they deeply appreciate the support they receive. Knowing that a community of caring individuals stands with them brings back a sense of pride (and often, tears of gratitude). While I'm committed to seeing this through to the end, it's your support that will be the true difference-maker - far beyond my efforts alone.
We owe our veterans more than we can ever repay, but this is a meaningful start.
Let's start believing in heroes again.
Michael Rentiers
Chairman & Executive Director
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Our Mission
Introducing Without Heroes, a newly established nonprofit organization passionately dedicated to serving homeless veterans in South Carolina. Based in Columbia, SC, we operate as a 501(c)(3) organization with a straightforward mission – to provide essential interventions in the lives of homeless veterans, striving for lasting stability and positive change.
- Engagement & Mentorship
- Benefits & Services
- Housing & Employment
Fueled by a Singular Focus
At Without Heroes, our efforts are laser-focused, concentrating solely on the mission, the actions to achieve the goals of that mission, and to raise funds to meet the specific needs of homeless veterans. We maintain complete transparency, assuring our generous donors that their contributions go directly towards addressing urgent calls for help. We do not raise funds for office space, salaries, or self-promotion. The street is our office and we are paid in handshakes and occasional hugs. Each contribution has the potential to transform a life, making a tangible impact and even saving lives in some cases. Not one cent will be wasted.
Led by founder Michael Rentiers, Without Heroes firmly believes in the power of direct action. As we continue our journey, we wholeheartedly call upon all individuals to invest in our mission to support veterans and help them reclaim the dignity they earned through their service. The way our society treats its veterans is a reflection of its people's values. By preserving and supporting our heroes, we uphold the standards that lead to greatness and ensure that dreams can be turned into reality. Our unwavering belief in heroes drives us to stand strong in our commitment to support veterans now and always.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
We are in the process of expanding our Board to meet expected growth challenges and to reach our internal goals. As new members come on Board, we will update this space with names, terms of service, and releavnt information. As a matter of transparency and responsibility, WH wll be publish operational updates pn the website. As with all nonprofit applications, we have been granted a temporary status as our paper work is reviewed. In the meantime if you have any questions, you can email info@withoutheroes.com or fill out the form on our contact page for a prompt reply.
MATT KEMP
Boardmember
Matt is a Marine(ret) with 5 years service in the USMC. Having made the rank of Sergeant, he has experience mentoring the next generation of leaders. In particular, Matt knows how critical maintaining the wellbeing and readiness his men can be.
Matt currently works in the private sector as a network engineer in the IT space. His experience as a Sergeant and his attention to the needs of his men, make him a valued voice on the board.
BRETT TREACY
Boardmember
Brett is a Funcational Design and Senior Implementation Manager. As such. Brett excels at integrating new systems and managing people of diverse backgeounds and skill sets to achieve orgnazational requirements.
Brett's skillset at understanding new systems and marshalling people of different backrounds, along with having a huge heart for people, make him a key reason Without Heroes went from a side project to an official nonprofit and force for good in the state.
TRAVIS MARONEY
Boardmember
Travis is a veteran and current active servicemember of the US Amry at Fort Jackson, SC. For over 15 years, Travis has been mentoring leaders to effectively undertake complex issues.
Travis has a first-hand understanding of the challenges facing veterans in transitioning back to civilian life. That understanding, his years of service, and the strength of his convictions make him a valuable founding memeber of the board.
MICHAEL RENTIERS
Chairman & Ex. Director
Michael is the founder and Execitve Director of Without Heroes. He is currently serving as Acting Chairman of the Board to help impliment the board's plans for expansion.
Michael has an extensive background in South Carolina politics, public policy, commincations and advocacy. He owns and operates a full-service PR agrency, CTA Communications. Michael has always had a passion for using his abilities to help others. After chance encounters with homeless veterans, Without Heroes was born.
info@withoutheroes.com
Tel: 803-216-5407
Columbia, SC 29201