5th Squad is a Pearl, Mississippi-based nonprofit founded in 2016 by members of the Mississippi Army National Guard’s 184th Sustainment Command. Named “5th Squad” because standard military formations consist of four squads—the 5th squad represents the supportive community and volunteers standing just behind the formation to help.
Over the last decade, 5th Squad has provided rapid, life-sustaining financial crisis support and camaraderie for military veterans. Now, thanks to a $200,000 Community Impact Grant from Lowe’s, the organization can finally create a permanent headquarters and veteran center.
“For the last three years, we’ve been leasing a building and have outgrown it,” shared founding member Lee Stringer. “Earlier this year, I applied for a grant with Lowe’s. And like a lot of grants, you apply without much expectation.”
Lowe’s runs several major programs designed to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military families through community grants, career opportunities, and direct financial savings. Lowe received 5th Squad’s grant application, was motivated to help, and devised a plan to surprise Stringer with the acceptance news.
“About two months ago, Lowes reached out to us about another program they have to help the elderly, where they go to their homes and change air filters and light bulbs and drain water heaters,” explained Stringer. “And they wanted to partner with us to help our older veterans in need. So I casually went on a lunch break to discuss partnering with a local store.”
Stringer had a short meeting inside, then was directed outside to see more, and he was met with confetti cannons and a community ready to share the good news.
“I’m going to be honest with you, it scared the mess out of me. I didn’t know what was going on. They had this giant eight-foot blue Lowe’s bucket with all these people standing around and cheering and yelling,” shared Stringer.
Stringer received a $200,000 Community Impact Grant from Lowe’s to help the organization find a permanent headquarters. The grant is specifically for building out or renovating a space; 5th Squad still has to find and purchase a place.
“We’re in the process of purchasing a new building and moving from leasing to owning, where we can have resources for veterans and bring more outside veteran services in to serve our community,” shared Stringer.
5th Squad has started a building campaign to help them reach their goal of purchasing a building, so they can put the $200,000 toward renovating it to meet their unique needs. In the meantime, their main mission and reason for existing hasn’t stopped.
“We are still helping veterans; money raised for the building purchase is separate,” shared Stringer. “5th Squad will continue to bridge financial gaps for essentials like utilities, rent/housing, and groceries, often fulfilling urgent requests within 24 hours (and sometimes minutes).”
Visit 5th Squad’s website and social media to keep up with upcoming fundraisers and opportunities to help them secure a permanent building and continue helping veterans in Mississippi.
