The military members that served our country with honor and distinction are worthy of our respect, gratitude, and aid. Many American veterans do get aid and G.I. Bill provisions following completion of service. However, there are also a number of veterans who suffer from disabilities or detriments related to their military service that can cause them to become homeless.
There are almost 50,000 homeless American vets on any given night and 20 percent of the male homeless population are veterans. Half of the homeless vets are over the age of 50.
Some suffer illness or injury in the course of their military duties. Others are affected by issues related to coping with military service, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Those that go untreated for one reason or another may suffer all kinds of hardship, including extremes like poverty and homelessness.
Veterans facing such dire circumstances may need help to recover and get back on their feet. There are several well respected organizations that offer such assistance. Here are a few that veterans and their family members should be aware of.
AMVETS
The American Veterans National Service Foundation, more commonly known as AMVETS, is a group that is dedicated to helping veterans reintegrate in society following military service, as well as claim any and all American veterans aid and other benefits they’re due. Although AMVETS is not a non-profit organization (they take in proceeds and pay taxes), the lion’s share of the money they collect goes to help veterans, for whom the group provides free services.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV)
This non-profit charity group not only advocates for increased federal funding for programs offering assistance to homeless veterans, but they also work to provide food, emergency housing, health services, job training and placement services, and legal aid to homeless veterans.
NCHV notably offers assistance to thousands of homeless veterans annually and strives to increase services and support for veterans through advocacy and information sharing.
Operation Homefront
This laudable organization caters specifically to veterans and their families facing extreme economic hardship and poverty following military service. Whether veterans are ill, injured, or otherwise unable to meet financial obligations, Operation Homefront can provide emergency financial assistance, food, health benefits, support groups, and in some cases transitional housing until such time as VA benefits kick in.
Hire Heroes
Some veterans transition seamlessly back into civilian life following their military service. Others may have trouble re-acclimating, especially when it comes to finding a job.
The overarching goal of the Hire Heroes organization is to help veterans find gainful employment. They do this by offering workshops and individual assistance for drafting resumes, interviewing, and learning how to market oneself to prospective employers. They also offer a job board and work to build partnerships with companies interested in hiring veterans.
Not every veteran is able to work following military service, but those that are may need a hand when it comes to getting hired. For vets that have fallen on hard times due to a lack of gainful employment, Hire Heroes could make a world of difference.
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