The Vet Hunters Project

The Vet Hunters Project originated from one soldier’s incontrovertible belief that there is no respectable way to desert a Veteran, of the United States Armed Forces, on the streets that they bravely responded to protect. What initially began as a fervent grassroots effort, to be the solution to an expanding homeless crisis, has evolved into a nationwide movement for change. From the very first soldier assisted, each has proudly sworn an oath to “pay it forward”, by helping another fellow service member in need. The Vet Hunters teams of Active Duty and Veteran Service Members are vastly trusted by the displaced Veterans we encounter and serve. Our system of Vets helping Vets is successful in empathetic ways that other organizations are incapable of replicating; making us the compassionate change our homeless heroes have been waiting for.

The very first Vet Hunt occurred when founder, Joe Leal, encountered a Silver Star recipient, living a homeless life in the streets. The disbelief, that one of our most valiant soldiers was forgotten and lost to the world, was enough to instill the motivation needed to make a change. Since that day, Joe has dedicated every moment of his life to finding and helping our homeless Veterans, whom he refers to as the invisible heroes in America. His insatiable drive and ardent belief system has infected a remarkable group of individuals and organizations, who are now working together to become the solution to this epidemic.

Silver Star Recipient, Charles Puleo, is that first of many, whose life has changed from The Vet Hunters’ advocacy efforts. Having survived the loss of his entire family, wife and children, in a tragic accident, Charles had fallen into a life of total despair, with no hope. His story remains one of the most challenging Vet Hunts on record; however, he is now also one of the greatest success stories. Charles, who is also a “one hit wonder” in the world of Rock-n-Roll, is back to being healthy and working as a full-time musician in Long Beach, California. Where he had been unable to even pick-up a guitar for years, he now plays his music every weekend for a crowd of regular fans. In the first year of inception, over 100 homeless Veterans, including other Silver Star and Purple Heart recipients, have been touched by The Vet Hunters Project.. Where shelter is not available, we provide relief in the forms of blankets, tents, weather proof gear, food, clothing and first-aid. Our Street Teams are never without supplies, for distribution to every individual in need. No one is ever left behind or forgotten. The Vet Hunters identify necessities and do what it takes to help, consistently, while we track a way to get them out. This project will not terminate until every returning soldier has truly come home.