How to Help Veterans in Your Community
Veterans have sacrificed tremendously to protect and serve their country, and often face challenges that extend far beyond their time in the military. Whether they are dealing with post-service transitions, injuries or mental health struggles, they deserve our community support and gratitude. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways you can make a difference. From donating to charities to volunteering your time, your efforts can leave a lasting impact on the lives of those who served. Keep reading to learn how to help veterans in your community in meaningful ways.
Donate to Veteran-Focused Charities
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to support veterans is by donating to organizations that focus on their well-being. Many charities are specifically dedicated to helping veterans secure basic necessities, access medical care or transition back into civilian life. Here are a few trusted organizations where your contribution can go a long way.
Wounded Warrior Project
This nonprofit provides support for post 9/11 veterans who have been injured in combat, or have invisible injuries like PTSD and brain trauma. Donations help fund programs such as mental health services, physical rehabilitation and employment opportunities for these veterans and their families.
Disabled American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans (also known as DAV), helps veterans get connected to much-needed VA benefits and access a range of services. These include transition services, medical transportation, caregiver support and more.
Fisher House Foundation
Fisher House builds homes near VA and military medical centers so families can stay close to loved ones receiving treatment at no cost. They are now at 100 houses nationwide, thanks to donations and advocacy efforts.
These are just some of the many charities available for you to donate monthly or for one-time donations. You can also donate to local organizations or shelters to help veterans in need.
Volunteer Your Time
Donating money is helpful, but your time is just as valuable. Volunteering not only allows you to give back but also creates opportunities to connect personally with veterans in your area. Here’s how you can get involved:
VA Facilities and Hospitals
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs frequently seeks volunteers to assist with patient transport, provide companionship or even teach skills like computer literacy. Contact your local VA facility to learn about volunteer needs.
Local Shelters
Many veterans face housing insecurity. Volunteering at a shelter that serves veterans allows you to provide hands-on support, whether that’s preparing meals, organizing donations or advocating for better resources.
Your time can make a huge difference and forming even one meaningful connection could profoundly impact a veteran’s emotional well-being.
Organize a Community Event
Community events are powerful tools to bring people together and raise awareness about veterans’ needs. Organizing or participating in an event not only supports veterans financially but also fosters a spirit of gratitude within your community.
Partner with veteran-focused charities to host a walk-a-thon or marathon with proceeds going toward veteran assistance programs. There are tons of other fundraisers you can do, such as selling merchandise or setting up a raffle to raise money for veterans.
You can also work with local organizations to collect and send care packages containing essentials like toiletries, snacks, coffee and handwritten thank-you notes to veterans in need. You can then donate these care packages to local VA centers or organizations.
Events like these create meaningful ways for your community to come together and show veterans they are appreciated.
Offer Employment Opportunities
One of the significant challenges veterans face when returning to civilian life is finding steady employment. If you’re a business owner, manager or have hiring influence, consider prioritizing veterans in your hiring process.
Many communities have local veterans' organizations or career fairs aimed at helping veteran job seekers connect with businesses. You can participate at one of these career fairs to meet potential new hires and veterans.
If you're in need of trainees or apprentices, consider making a training program for veterans. You can partner with workforce development organizations or schools to mentor veterans as they transition into new careers.
For those who aren't in a position to hire directly, you can still show your support by purchasing from the over 300,000 veteran-owned small businesses or connecting them to helpful networks and resources. Whether it's your favorite veteran-owned coffee or hiring veteran contractors, there's no limit to how you can support veteran-owned businesses.
Advocate for Veterans’ Rights
Advocacy is another meaningful way to support veterans. By raising awareness in your community, you can influence policymakers to address issues like health care access, education and housing for veterans.
Call or write to your representatives to voice your support for veteran-focused policies. Legislation that expands VA benefits or increases funding for mental health programs can make a lasting difference.
National organizations like the American Legion or Paralyzed Veterans of America often lead campaigns advocating for veterans' needs. Joining their efforts amplifies your voice.
You can even use the internet for advocacy. Share stories on social media to shed light on common challenges veterans face, like PTSD, unemployment and homelessness. The more people understand, the more united your community can become in supporting veterans.
Making a Difference for Veterans
There are countless ways to make a difference in the lives of veterans within your community. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, advocate, or simply express gratitude, your efforts can provide much-needed support to those who have given so much to serve the country.