Homeless Veterans In America Relief Foundation

Homelessness is a reality we see daily, yet it often fades into the background of our routines. It’s not from a lack of empathy; it’s that homelessness has become so common, the shock wears off. Over 35,000 U.S. veterans were homeless in 2023, with half facing mental health challenges like PTSD. It’s hard to fathom how those who served our country end up without support.

As winter approaches, homelessness worsens. People without shelter face bitter cold, with nowhere to find warmth. Most of us feel powerless to change this—but with this fundraiser, I plan to make a difference.

While addressing the root causes of homelessness is essential, I’m focused on supporting a charity that directly helps veterans affected by it: the *Homeless Veterans in America Relief Foundation* [https://www.hviarf.org](https://www.hviarf.org).

I’ll be running the Winter Warrior Half Marathon in Rochester, NY on the 6th January 2025 to raise awareness and funds for this cause [https://yellowjacketracing.com/races/winter-warrior-12-14-relay-marathon-2024](https://yellowjacketracing.com/races/winter-warrior-12-14-relay-marathon-2024).

My goal is a sub-2-hour run in subzero temperatures. I’ve been told it’s ambitious—even risky. But two hours in the cold, with warm hugs and a home at the finish, is nothing compared to an entire winter on the streets. The resilience needed for that is hard to imagine.

This time, I’m determined to reach my goal. I missed the mark by 17 minutes in my last race due to unexpected elevation changes and lack of planning. This course is flat, and despite the freezing temperatures, I’m committed to achieving it—rain, snow, or sunshine.

Please support me in raising awareness and funds to help U.S. veterans who are “MIA—Missing in America.”

Big love!

That was Peter ten years ago......and he is jumping again at age 90. This time, he is jumping to raise money for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Let me tell you about Peter Juisto: He is a retired U.S. Marine with 20 years of service to this country. He served proudly in Korea, was dispatched to Key West, Florida at the height of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and finished his career with a tour in Vietnam with the 3rd Division Marines.

For his eightieth birthday, he successfully completed a 14,000 feet skydive jump, made headlines, and vowed to do it again at 90.

A year before his 90th birthday, however, Peter became seriously ill and needed a new heart valve. Because of his age and weakened condition, he was not a good candidate for surgery. He finally found a physician to give this fighting Marine a chance. At that time, Peter's family and friends feared he was not going to survive and would never see his 90th birthday.

That was not to be Peter's destiny. With the honor, courage, and commitment instilled in him as a Marine, he said "Ooh-rah!" you are not going to get me this time! When he was strong enough, he returned to his workouts three times per week at Planet Fitness, with everyone there pulling for him to get strong enough to accomplish his dream of skydiving at 90. It was a happy day when Peter's doctor cleared him to jump after attaining the age of 90 in early June.

Now, Peter wants to give back to the many veterans in this country, who after returning from war, face physical, mental, and social issues that make them vulnerable and render them homeless. He cannot help them by himself and asks that you assist him and donate to this worthy cause. It does not matter how small or how generous a donation you can make, Peter thanks you for your help.

Weather permitting, Peter will make his historic jump at 90 years of age at 11:00 am on September 14, 2024, at Skydive Philadelphia in Perkasie, Pennsylvania.

Thank you everyone for your support. And a very special thank you to Planet Fitness for not only helping Peter get into the type of physical condition he needs to be in to make this jump but for becoming a member of the Peter Juisto "Jump for Veteran's Go Fund Me Team" to use their "muscle" in this special fund-raising effort.

Good Morning Everybody!

My name is Zach Kibler from Tuscola, IL. I am a 25 year old United States Navy veteran.

I am running the Bad Dawg Ultra 50k (31 miles) race in Waynesville, MO August 17th for the Homeless Veterans in America Relief Foundation based in Chicago. I met with President Michael Pedroza and believe this will be a great opportunity to support veterans. During this 11 week training period, I will be posting updates each week via Facebook and Instagram, while also attempting to raise as much money as possible. I was a Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (SW). I spent time on the USS Arlington LPD24 and USS Mesa Verde LPD19 stationed in Norfolk, VA. With the support of my family and friends, I firmly believe this journey can change some veteran’s lives. Additionally, I feel this is a great way to create awareness in this area/community. Every single dollar raised will be given straight to Mike Pedroza and his organization through GoFundMe.

All Donations are Tax Exemptible.

Thank you and God bless!

Instagram: zachkibler123

Facebook: Zachary Kibler

(Pictured Left to Right: Zach Kibler, Michael Pedroza, Keagan Kibler)

The young man 3rd from the left was extorted by others our age. They took a video of themselves beating a homeless man. This simply can't stand and I believe criminal charges need to be involved. I am raising money for men and women who are not only homeless, but have been through similar situations.