Overwhelming Response to Vets Helping Vets

Overwhelming Response to Vets Helping Vets
By: Steve Nicoles, Reporter
By Steve Nicoles
Story Created: Nov 26, 2007
Story Updated: Nov 26, 2007
IOWA CITY - Friday KCRG-TV 9 News reported on a group of veterans trying to raise money to help other veterans. The group hit a bit of a snag Monday. But the initial response has been overwhelming. The employees at Wells Fargo Bank say thy have received a lot of calls from people wanting to help. One man from Dubuque is even donating a three-bedroom apartment.Some people might think this group came together following the death of Sonny Iovino a couple of weeks ago. Iovino was a homeless veteran.

But the idea for “Vets Helping Vets” came weeks before Iovino's death under an Iowa City bridge. The group wants to be able to help veterans with their needs. They are asking for donations. They need money, coats, shoes, hats and blankets. “Vets Helping Vets” met with Wells Fargo Bank Monday to work on becoming a non-profit organization. But the members say they found a problem. They want to help now and the process can take a few weeks. Len McClellan said, “People have responded and we need to get our stuff in order so they can help. All we want to do is help our fellow vets." The group is trying to speed through the process. And anyone wanting to donate should contact the downtown Iowa City Wells Fargo. For more information call Michelle Reuss at (319) 887-7461.
Email Steve Nicoles at Steve.Nicoles@kcrg.com
http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/11838971.html

Sonny Iovino's death causes action for homeless veterans

Iowa City group seeks to raise funds for homeless veterans

Associated Press - November 22, 2007 11:14 AM ET
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - An Iowa City group has teamed with a local bank to provide assistance for homeless veterans. The move comes two weeks after one died of hypothermia under a bridge.

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http://www.whotv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7396979&nav=2HAB

Update on Sonny Iovino's last hours

Homeless veteran refused help before death
Copyright 2007 The Gazette
By Jennifer Hemmingsen

The Gazette
jennifer.hemmingsen@gazettecommunications.com



Sonny Iovino


IOWA CITY - Two days before Sonny Iovino died of exposure, he was released by a Veterans Affairs Medical Center doctor and turned away from the Johnson County Jail after police repeatedly found him behaving erratically and shedding his clothes.

On the advice of a social worker, police didn't try to take Iovino, 55, to a shelter, according to University of Iowa police incident reports The Gazette obtained.

Medical Center spokesman Kirt Sickels told the newspaper Monday hospital officials did all they could.

"If somebody doesn't want to be treated, you can't treat them," Sickels said. He could not disclose details about Iovino's medical history or immediately get information about Iovino's military service.

The nearly naked body of Iovino, a homeless Vietnam-era veteran who had frequented Iowa City for years, was found under the Benton Street bridge around 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 7. An autopsy confirmed he died of hypothermia.

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Vets Helping Vets takes this issue on

Homeless Vets Help Their Own
By Josh Hinkle, Reporter

Story Updated: Nov 24, 2007

IOWA CITY - A homeless veteran's death two weeks ago in Iowa City has prompted several groups to fight back. Sonny Iovino died from hypothermia under a bridge near downtown. Now that incident is inspiring the community to fight back against the homeless problem.

About 1,300 people are homeless right now in Johnson County. Iowa City's Shelter House can only hold 29. 15% of those now staying there are veterans like Len McClellan.
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http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/11783991.html