Birmingham non-profit for homeless vets could win $25,000

A non-profit group that helps homeless veterans in Birmingham has a chance to win $25,000, but they need the public to vote in an online competition.

Founded three years ago by J.D. Simpson, Three Hots and a Cot does exactly what its name implies.  It gives veterans three hot meals a day and a place to sleep.

"We're not an emergency shelter; it's a transitional home.  The guys and girls are drug and alcohol free or getting that way and doing something to improve their lives.  I don't want to be a band aid.  I want to be a solution to a real problem," said Simpson.

Three Hots and a Cot has helped 175 veterans so far.

Nelson Davidson fought in Desert Storm.  He never dreamed after serving his country, he would end up homeless.

"My trailer burned in 2005 on July 7th and I stayed with some cousins for a while and when I had to quit working I stayed with my mother and best friend," said Davidson, "This went on for 3 1/2 years til finally I couldn't stay anymore."

Davidson called the VA crisis line and they told him to come to Birmingham.  That's when he discovered Three Hots and a Cot.

"When I got here they gave me a place to stay, food, and a sense of security that I didn't have before," said Davidson.

Three Hots and a Cot is run by volunteers and operates using donations.  They already have three houses and if they win an online voting competition sponsored by the Home Depot Foundation, they'll be able to turn another house into a home.

"Whoever gets the most votes on facebook gets $25,000 and a full set of tools.  Second, third, and fourth place get $5,000 so it's still a good thing.  I'd like to get the $25,000 because I can do three houses with $25,000 and one house with $5,000," said Simpson.

Voting began at 8 a.m. July 1 and will end at 11:59 p.m. July 31.  You can vote as many times possible at www.facebook.com/homedepotfoundation.

Three Hots and a Cot is competing against other group in Michigan, Colorado, and Tennessee.  If they win the July competition, Three Hots and a Cot will be entered for the annual award and could potentially win $250,000.