Legacy Spotlight: Bravo Zulu House
𝑄𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑦, we shine a light on the incredible charities supported by Stablish Foundation’s Donor-Advised Funds.
This feature explores Bravo Zulu House, a groundbreaking sober living facility in Minnesota dedicated to helping Veterans heal from PTSD and addiction through community, stable housing, and specialized care.
War brings immense hardship and loss, and its impact is traumatic for everyone. For soldiers returning home with PTSD, the challenges can feel overwhelming. Since 9/11, 7,500 active military members have lost their lives in combat or training-related incidents. Heartbreakingly, approximately 120,000 veterans—about 20 each day—have died by suicide, often struggling with the combined burdens of PTSD and addiction. This is a serious and urgent crisis that deserves our collective attention and action.
Bravo Zulu House – the first all-Veteran sober living facility in the U.S. for vets dealing with addiction and PTSD – offers another alternative.
Each resident has a private room in a beautiful new home in Winnebago, Minnesota, living with other Vets who have experienced some of the same traumas. They receive outpatient medical and mental health services from the Mayo Clinic, as well as individual counseling, dog therapy and hydroponic farming opportunities. In addition, they work part-time jobs for 20-30 hours per week and pay rent of $600 per month. It is expected that residents will stay for an average of 18 months. At the recent Grand Opening Ceremony, Dr. Karthik Ghosh, Mayo Health Systems Medical Director for Minnesota, stated that “Mayo Health Systems believes in the Bravo Zulu House. It will be a vital resource offering a safe and supportive environment where our Veterans can heal and rebuild their lives.”
In the fall, Bravo Zulu House will begin fundraising for a house for women Veterans. This is a perfect example of saving lives by turning an extremely negative event into a positive result.
Learn more about this charity at: Bravozuluhouse.org
“As a soldier who served for 39 years and now as a veteran, I have seen firsthand how troops and veterans have struggled with, succeeded against, or tragically lost their lives to PTSD and addiction challenges. It is a toll that seems not to end. I joined the Board of Bravo Zulu House a little over a year ago, driven by the factors mentioned above and the continuing heartbreaking stories of veterans with whom I have served taking their lives. The need for Bravo Zulu House has never been greater than it is today.” – 4-Star General (ret.) Joseph Votel