Our Team
MISSION & HISTORY
Veteran Housing Soulitions is a 501c3 dedicated to assisting Veterans and their families with housing and support solutions.
Our founder Russell Scot Rhoda, has been working to support Veterans for nearly a decade.
Rhoda, a US Army Veteran himself, decided to focus on reaching out to Veterans in need. Rhoda quickly learned that housing stability is one of the most pressing issues veterans face.
It may be repairs to keep homes safe, ADA modifications to keep homes accessible, or even just having furniture and working appliances to keep homes livable. Through diligent research into available public programs (as well as hundreds of phone calls), Rhoda slowly built a network of professional contacts and willing volunteers to get Veterans the support they needed
Our Founder
Russell Scot Rhoda is a dedicated community service professional with a rich background in emergency medical services, firefighting, and nonprofit leadership. With a strong commitment to serving veterans and the broader community, Russell has spent over 14 years in firefighting and 23 years in emergency medical services. His career began in the U.S. Army, where he served as an Airborne infantry-trained medic from August 1987 to August 1990 with USAREUR, and later as a U.S. Army Medic in the Active Reserves from 1990 to 1995. This military experience laid the foundation for his passion for service, particularly towards veterans and those in need.
From 1996 to 2010, Russell worked with the Berea Fire Department as a firefighter and paramedic, where he not only provided critical emergency services but also took on the role of instructor for CPR, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). His dedication to education extended beyond his own training, as he played a vital role in training paramedics and nursing professionals, ensuring that future caregivers were well-prepared for the challenges of the field.
In addition to his hands-on medical experience, Russell has made significant contributions to various nonprofit organizations. He is the Chief Medical Officer of Tours of Duty, a nonprofit organization focused on the search and recovery of POW/MIA personnel, a role he began in February 2024. His commitment to disaster relief is evident through his work with the American Red Cross, where he has been a Disaster Action Team Member since April 2022, providing vital services to communities nationwide.
Russell also served as a Special Advisor for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Greater Cleveland Chapter 147, from March 2020 to March 2023, and was Vice-President of the Joint Veterans Council of Cuyahoga County from September 2020 to September 2021. His experience in these roles highlights his advocacy for veterans’ rights and well-being.
In the retail sector, Russell held a position at The Home Depot from 2011 to 2018, where he excelled in retail management and as a Community Outreach Coordinator. In this capacity, he developed community outreach initiatives, prepared grants, and engaged with local businesses to enhance operational improvements and foster partnerships.
Russell’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found Ride with Valor in January 2019, a nonprofit organization based in Strongsville, Ohio. This initiative is dedicated to helping ageing veterans, disabled veterans, and homeless veterans gain access to safe, accessible, and affordable housing, food security, and transportation assistance. His vision for Ride with Valor is rooted in addressing the critical needs of veterans and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.
Based in Strongsville, Ohio, Russell Scot Rhoda continues to be a driving force in his community, advocating for veterans and fostering partnerships that enhance the quality of life for those he serves. His dedication to community service, combined with his extensive professional background, makes him a respected leader and advocate in the fields of emergency services and nonprofit management.
Our Team
Carrie J. Tilley
Cathy Thomas
Annette Tibbs
Dave Yancey
Liz Myers
Jeff Myers
Jim Fretwell
Diana Fretwell
Tim Sopkovich
John Mcnutt
Frank Sobochan
Hearth & Home for Veterans
398
Victory Garden
70
Wings of Valor
800
CHALLENGES
The need is endless to keep Veterans in safe housing and connect them to resources.
We have helped Veterans with home repair issues such as leaking roofs and broken furnaces. We have been able to modify dozens of homes to make them ADA-compliant so their owners may stay out of nursing homes. We have secured donations of furniture and working appliances for Veterans living in empty homes.
We have even begun to renovate decrepit housing into updated and modern homes to help tackle Veteran homelessness. These projects are only possible due to the tireless work of our staff and volunteers.
We are committed to serving our fellow Veterans, as well as their families. We continue to work with organizations such as the VA, the Cuyahoga Land Bank, local businesses, and countless VFW/American Legions.
Hearth & Home for Veterans
This program, dedicated to providing Veterans with a safe home of their own. Working in conjunction with community Land Banks, we use local contractors and volunteers to remodel abandoned houses and make them a home. We then select a homeless Veteran to reside in the home—however, this is not a handout. The program requires the Veteran to enroll in programming designed to get them back on their feet. RWV will help them by introducing them to resources to help them with issues such as their finances, health, or credit. For five years, the Veteran will pay rent on the home—which can be subsidized through Section Eight. After the five years, the Veteran will have the opportunity to purchase the home at up to 50% of the market value. Unlike other homeless geared programs, we help furnish it with necessities, such as furniture and basic needs. Providing these Veterans with not just a roof over their head, but the dignity of having their own safe space to live.
