6 Ways to Help Homeless Veterans You Didn't Know

There are many services available to help homeless veterans, but sometimes funding and services are limited. You can play a part in ending homelessness for vets by becoming aware of programs in your area and doing what you can to help.

Here are six ways to help homeless veterans you may not have known about.

1. Community-Based Groups
Get involved with community-based programs that help relieve the problems of homeless veterans. Many of these non-profit groups offer the best ways to help vets transition from a state of homelessness to independent and permanent housing, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. Government money is often limited, so community groups help fill in the need with volunteers to provide support and resources for returning vets.

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2. Local Government Officials
Contact your local officials, from your congressman to the mayor’s office, to find providers that offer help for homeless vets. Ask what’s being done in your community about helping the homeless. You can encourage more assistance for vets by the local government or ask how such programs can be developed.

3. Volunteer
Participate in local homeless coalitions and ask what they need most. Groups such as Veterans Inc. in New England and Green Doors in Texas help to end homelessness and also provide food and clothing for homeless vets.

4. Form a Coalition
If homeless assistance for vets is lacking in your community, seek the help of other people you know who would like to get involved in helping homeless veterans. You can then form your own coalition.

5. Donate
If you are not able to participate at this time, you can still donate to community programs in your area that help homeless vets. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans website includes information about organizations in each state. You also can call the coalition at 1-800-VET-HELP.

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6. Employment
An important part in preventing homelessness among vets and is through employment, according to the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness. If you’re a business owner, you can focus on hiring vets, if possible. People can encourage their employers or businesses in the area to provide sustainable employment for vets to avoid homelessness in your community. Workforce training and guidance for job seekers is another needed service.

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