OPERATION EDDA HOMELESS PERSONS SURVIVAL
MOVEMENT!
WE Honor The Deserving, attempt to educate the others, and question those who do not understand!
AMERICA'S INVISIBLE SOCIETY
hOMELESSNESS LIKE MANY OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS IS EXTRICABLY linked and caused by POVERTY,LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MEDICAL ISSUES, LOW INCOME INEQUALITY AND ESCAPING VIOLENCe.
homelessness is on the rise!
Roughly 17% (approximately 3,202 individuals) OF THE 18,836 PEOPLE experiencing homeleness in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are veterans, according to the guardiAN corps of america (GCA).
aLTHOUGH IT IS CHALLENGING TO ACTUALLY PINPOINT THE EXACT NUMBER OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS WHO COUCH SURF. Approximately 5% to 22% of the homeless population couch surF. this segment of the homeless population is also known as the hidden homeless population. homeless individuals couch surf IN A LOCATION they do not call home. this category is rarely recognized and documented. Couch surfing is a form of homelessness because its less seen and visible than individuals living on the streetS.
the Hidden homeless population is relatively unkown to society CONSIDERING many who couch surf HAVE NOT RECEIVED SUPPORTIVE SERVICES MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO TRACK and document.
tent cities and encampments are proping up throughout the city of chicago and several suburban areas.
Chicago ranks third in the top 25 cities in America for HAVING the largest most difficult homeless problem.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP!
SUPPORT THE GUARDIAN CORPS OF AMERICA MISSION!
hOMELESSNESS LIKE MANY OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS IS EXTRICABLY linked and caused by POVERTY,LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MEDICAL ISSUES, LOW INCOME INEQUALITY AND ESCAPING VIOLENCe.
homelessness is on the rise!
Roughly 17% (approximately 3,202 individuals) OF THE 18,836 PEOPLE experiencing homeleness in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs are veterans, according to the guardiAN corps of america (GCA).
aLTHOUGH IT IS CHALLENGING TO ACTUALLY PINPOINT THE EXACT NUMBER OF HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS WHO COUCH SURF. Approximately 5% to 22% of the homeless population couch surF. this segment of the homeless population is also known as the hidden homeless population. homeless individuals couch surf IN A LOCATION they do not call home. this category is rarely recognized and documented. Couch surfing is a form of homelessness because its less seen and visible than individuals living on the streetS.
the Hidden homeless population is relatively unkown to society CONSIDERING many who couch surf HAVE NOT RECEIVED SUPPORTIVE SERVICES MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO TRACK and document.
tent cities and encampments are proping up throughout the city of chicago and several suburban areas.
Chicago ranks third in the top 25 cities in America for HAVING the largest most difficult homeless problem.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP!
SUPPORT THE GUARDIAN CORPS OF AMERICA MISSION!
MISSION STATEMENT
VISION STATEMENT
Our Values
WE are a Bold and Daring Street Organization!
WE are a community!
WE build sustainable pathways to stability for homeless U.S. military veterans, and homeless U.S. citizens.
WE provide tangible support by connecting homeless U.S. military veterans and homeless U.S. citizens with the resoures they need to regain independence.
WE are unwavering in our commitment to supporting those who have served our nation, and find themselves without a home.
WE will advocate for change and educate the public to ensure homeless Americans are not ignored. We are dedicated to securing housing and support services for homeless U.S. military veterans, and homeless U.S. citizens.
WE strive to advance our mission, and believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Anything less is unacceptable!
He was once like You!
A Person living in Poverty isn't lacking in character, just lacking in resources!
OUR SERVICES
We donate and distribute on a DAILY Basis Clothing, Food, Sleeping Gear, Sleeping Mats, Brown Bag Lunches, and OPERATION EDDA Homeless Persons Survival Kits DIRECTLY to homeless U.S. military veterans, and homeless U.S. citizens!
WE serve HOT MEALS during certain holidays!
Guardian Corps of America is fighting homelessness through Direct Outreach Distribution.
We often assist the homeless individual transition to permanent housing.
We can help an individual from becoming homeless through our Homeless Prevention Program.
PRODUCT QUALITY CONTROL
Before the Start of the Distribution Process all products are carefully checked
and made certain to be in excellent condition or brand new.
All non perishable food is checked to have a long expiration date of 180 days from
date of purchase.
Should discovery occur that a product is damaged, or unacceptable. GCA reserves the RIGHT to discard any product considered unacceptable for distribution.
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GCA SERGEANT BABE PATRIOT SURVIVAL KIT!
The Sergeant Babe PATRIOT Survival Kit includes food, bottled water, and feeding bowl.
Guardian Corps of America is a strong advocate for service dogs, homeless dogs, cats, stray dogs and stray cats.
15% of homeless dogs and cats in America belong to a homeless person.
GCA organizes donations of pet food, leashes, crates, blankets and other essential items for homeless pets, stray dogs and cats.
Addressing the needs of a homeless person's pet can be a critical part of providing comprehensive care, as it helps maintain the person's stability and ability to care for themselves.
Pets offer homeless individuals vital comfort, companionship, and unconditional love, which can reduce isolation and provide a sense of purpose.
A bond between a homeless person and their pets is profound, and many owners will prioritze their pets well being over their own needs.
The Guardian Corps of America will often organize pet food drives to collect and distribute pet food and supplies to those in need.
IMPORTANT: Supplies for homeless Americans including The Sergeant Babe PATRIOT Survival Kit
Can Be Ordered at REQUEST SERVICE BELOW!
CLOTHING
FOOD
SLEEPING BAGS, BLANKETS, TENTS
OPERATION EDDA HOMELESS PERSONS SURVIVAL KITS
Projects aND PROGRAMS
Homefront and Hometown Support
GCA FRONT LINE FOOD RUN
The GCA FRONT LINE FOOD RUN is a mobile outreach delivery food and supply program for homeless and at-risk veterans, alongside vulnerable American citizens. We provide vital necessities for vulnerable populations living on the street. We meet individuals, and families where they are, bringing them healthy nutritionally food filled in a Brown Bag (lunch).
The GCA FRONT LINE FOOD RUN is a mobile outreach delivery food and supply program for homeless and at-risk veterans, alongside vulnerable American citizens. We provide vital necessities for vulnerable populations living on the street. We meet individuals, and families where they are, bringing them healthy nutritionally food filled in a Brown Bag (lunch).
GCA VALOR BOX INITIATIVE
The GCA VALOR BOX INITIATIVE is a home delivered food and supply program. We provide direct front line support to homeless and at -risk veterans, and in-need veterans, and their families with a food box filled with nutritionally healthy food. Other services and supplies are also offerd during the process.
The GCA VALOR BOX INITIATIVE is a home delivered food and supply program. We provide direct front line support to homeless and at -risk veterans, and in-need veterans, and their families with a food box filled with nutritionally healthy food. Other services and supplies are also offerd during the process.
SERGEANT BABE RESCUE ALLIANCE
"Sergeant Babe
Patriot Survival Kit for Dogs and Cats belonging to Homeless Americans
Survival Kit Includes: Dog or Cat food for (3) days, Feed Bowl, Bottled Water.
SERGEANT BABE is a highly trained working service dog entrusted companion for veterans, working alongside Executive Director Anthony E. La Piana for GCA
"Sergeant Babe
Patriot Survival Kit for Dogs and Cats belonging to Homeless Americans
Survival Kit Includes: Dog or Cat food for (3) days, Feed Bowl, Bottled Water.
SERGEANT BABE is a highly trained working service dog entrusted companion for veterans, working alongside Executive Director Anthony E. La Piana for GCA
OPERATION EDDA BREAD BASKET This is our Flagship Program! This program does it all for homeless and at-risk veterans and their families! We provide Direct Outreach and Basic Necessities, Housing Transition Assistance, plan and organize community stand down events. OPERATION EDDA BREAD BASKET is the first program created by GCA BACK IN 2012.
GUARDIAN CORPS OF AMERICA (GCA)
VETERANS
STAND DOWN EVENT
Homeless Veterans, At - Risk Veterans, Veterans in Need,
and Veterans in General are invited.
* FREE Resources: Job Counseling, Housing Solutions, Health Care Clothing, and Much More!
* Date: Thursday July 30, 2026 / Time: 9 am to 3 pm.
* Location: Concord Place, 401 West Lake St. Northlake, IL
(Main Ballroom-Midwest Conference Center)
* Early Registration Encouraged: Scroll Down to REQUEST SERVICE
* Requirement: DD214-Military ID- VA Card- State Drivers License w/ veteran designation.
* FREE LUNCH For VETERANS!
* NO Identification! NO Worries! We Can Still Help!
* Parking: FREE Onsite Parking
*Service Animals Only:
(Owners Must Maintain Control of Animals)
Contact Info:
Guardian Corps of America 630-415-3281
or info@usaguardian.org
Applications for (vendors) are being taken
until July 15, 2026.
"yOU cARRIED THE NATION. let us carry you."
An image of a battle fatigued american soldier carrying the american flag, symbolizing the invisible burdens of service and the resilience of those who have sacrificed for our nation!
An image of a battle fatigued american soldier carrying the american flag, symbolizing the invisible burdens of service and the resilience of those who have sacrificed for our nation!
SERGEANT BABE PATRIOT SURVIVAL KIT.
WHERE EVERY DOG DESERVES A CHANCE,
A PURPOSE AND A PLACE TO CALL HOME!
Place your order at REQUEST SERVICE Below.
WHERE EVERY DOG DESERVES A CHANCE,
A PURPOSE AND A PLACE TO CALL HOME!
Place your order at REQUEST SERVICE Below.
Volunteer Opportunities
AMERICA NEEDS YOU!
GCA OFFERS CLASSROOM AND STREET OUTREACH TRAINING TO NEW AND EXPERIENCED VOLUNTEERS!
DONATIONS
Guardian Corps of America is a 501c-3 Registered Non-Profit Organization
EIN # 45-5456703
Use the PayPal Donation Button above to make a financial donation or send your donation to
Guardian Corps of America PO Box 603, Lombard, IL. 60148
YOU! Can also make your donation at our GO FUND ME Page using the link https://gofund.me/6e48fbe7
Guardian Corps of America Accepts IN-KIND Donations
WE Accept Clothing, Non -Perishable Food, Sleeping Gear, and Hygiene Products
*IMPORTANT: Clothing must be pre-packaged by (manufacture) and brand new.
Non - Perishable food and Hygiene products must have a minimum 180 day expiration date
from purchase date. Sleeping gear must be in excellent condition or brand new.
To make an IN-KIND Donation call 630 - 415 - 3281.
YOU will receive a receipt for your Tax Deductible Donation!
Thank you!
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Photographs taken below by
Anthony E. La Piana
Executive Director/President
Guardian Corps of America
Street Outreach Privacy Notice:
Guardian Corps of America is dedicated
to the dignity, safety and privacy of the homeless veterans, and citizens we serve on the street. All photography published on this website is obtained with explicit consent or cropped to protect individual anonymity.
SOAR LIKE AN
EAGLE
GCA
Request Service
Requesting Supplies or Have a Question?
Complete the sections below.
A GCA representative will respond.
GUARDIAN CORPS OF AMERICA
PO BOX 603
LOMBARD, IL. 60148
www.usaguardian.org
info@usaguardian.org
630-415-3281
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 9am to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday (On Call)
Copyright 2026
All Rights Reserved
Monday - Friday 9am to 7pm
Saturday and Sunday (On Call)
Copyright 2026
All Rights Reserved
