Attorney General Wilson stumps in Sumter, helps veterans in need

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who is running for South Carolina governor, and his running mate state Sen. Mike Reichenbach, R-Florence, visited Hidden Wounds Resource Center in downtown Sumter on Friday, where they joined volunteers in packing boxes of food for local veterans and their families in need.

Hidden Wounds purchased the food items, and other food was donated by Advantage Realty Group of Sumter, according to Hidden Wounds Board Chairman Bill Oden.

Hidden Wounds is a nonprofit organization that helps veterans in need with rental assistance, utilities assistance and wrap-around services.

While Wilson and Reichenbach were visiting, the center also had the opportunity to share information about its partner, VAlanthropy, that is currently building homes nearby for veterans in need. The housing development is called Hidden Wounds Village-Alpha.

The new community will provide 12 permanent, affordable one-bedroom apartments for veterans, supported through partnerships that promote stability, recovery and long-term success.

Construction funding has been secured. VAlanthropy's current efforts are focused on furnishing the apartments, excluding appliances, and building dependable support for the village's long-term administration, stewardship, partnership coordination and sustainability.

Hidden Wounds' goal is building a community where veterans can establish stability, connect with support and move forward with dignity and opportunity.