It’s an organization that started five years ago to welcome home military veterans. “We’ve been able to connect veterans to jobs and homes,” said Vittoria Jimerson. Since then, Executive Director Jimerson and husband Jason Overmyer have grown the non-profit to assist more people. “We want to have a hub of resources where people can have their needs met,” Jimerson said.
It all happens at the Welcome Home Organization (WHO) headquarters on First Street in Jackson’s Flat Iron District. 24 hour daycare, tutoring, veteran services, youth programs, small business support and a community garden are some of the services provided by WHO. “We are super grassroots. Getting to this point has been challenging but Jackson has been very generous. When we ask people and businesses to show up, they do,” Jimerson said.
WHO has also been boosted by local, State and federal support. In July, the City Council approved a plan for WHO to use American Rescue Plan funds to build two affordable rental homes on Woodbridge Street near their headquarters. “One will be a veteran transition home, the other will be a youth transition home,” Jimerson said.
The group has enjoyed being part of the positive changes happening in the City of Jackson. “There’s more work to be done and I think the City is on board to listen to the changes that are needed,” Jimerson.
Welcome Home is brining more awareness to the Flat Iron District, a neighborhood southwest of Downtown Jackson named after the historic Flat Iron building at the intersection of Greenwood Avenue and First Street. “It’s great to have that community identity. There are multiple minority-owned businesses on this street. We’re doing our best and want to uplift the community,” Jimerson said.