Operation Chillout Inc

“The Executive Director and Program Director are husband and wife.”

“The Form 990 is prepared and submitted by the outside accountant to the Executive Director and Treasurer for review and approval. After their review and approval the form is sent to the accountant to be filed with the IRS. The filed Form 990 is presented to the Board of Trustees at its annual meeting.”

“Conflict of Interest Policy- Each year the Board of Trustee members sign a non-disclosure policy which is kept on file with their other corporate documents.”

“At the present time there are no paid officers or key employees. If in the future the organization determines that there is a need to hire and pay either administrative staff or a full time officer it will be discussed, voted on and apporved at that time by the Board of Trustees.”

“All governing documents, conflict of interest policies and financial statements are available to the public upon request.”

“Operation Chillout OCO continues to focus its attention and resources on the homeless community and particulary homeless veterans by providing needed clothing, toiletries and water to this population throughout New Jersey, North Eastern Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. OCO partnered with many veteran, fraternal, community and religious organizations to collect supplies and clothing. Many corporations continue to donate funds, water, and clothing in support of OCOs mission. OCO coordinates with homeless shelters, local soup kitchens, and temporary housing projects to distribute these supplies. OCOs volunteers spent over 14,200 man hours collecting, organizing, packing and distributing these supplies and clothing . During the Summer Outreach Campaign OCO volunteers distributed clothing over 1,500 tee shirts and 900 caps, 1,300 personal hygiene kits, toiletries and 33,000 bottles of water to over 1,000 homeless individuals at 30 separate locations. The Winter Outreach Campaign delivered over 2,400 backpacks filled with new winter clothing, personal hygiene kits, toiletries, coats, gloves, hats and scarfs. In addition over 1,000 winter coats were distributed due to a large corporate in kind donation. OCO also delivered sleeping bags, tents, tarps and emergency survival gear to unsheltered outdoor communitites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. In addition OCO volunteers also participated in Stand Down events in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. OCO has continued to be recognized by various civic and city organziations where they provide services.”

“Operation Chillouts Rapid Response Team continues to educate the public about the plight of the homelesss veteran and their unique needs. OCO has noted that on average 1 out of 5 homeless persons that their teams have encountered are military veterans. The Rapid Response Team held workshops at various veteran organizations, community groups, law enforcement agencies, municipal agencies, fraternal organizations, and colleges to educate the public of the continuing veteran homeless issues facing our society. OCOs Rapid Response team operates a Homeless Veterans Rapid Response hotline that veterans can call when they are in crisis or need help finding services in the community. The Team was able to provide emergency temporary housing to 116 veterans in 2017. They also helped homeless veterans obtain services and benefits through the Veterans Administration as well as obtain housing and income assistance. OCO organized its annual fundraiser -Vets Summer Fest- to increase public awareness about homeless veterans and their unique issues. Funds raised supports OCOs Homeless Rapid Response outreach programs. The event attracted over 1000 individuals and families from the surrounding communities. OCO continues to look for opportunities to educate the public and raise awareness about homelessness and the needs of this population. OCO began a new initiative in 2017 to build a tiny house for use by a homeless veteran. The construction of the home will be completed in 2018 and willl be located on a farm in Washington Township, NJ. The veteran selected will be able to live in the house for up to 24 months while attending Rutgers University and the Farmer Veteran Coalition for courses in agriculture.”