Do you want to help a military veteran in need, but don’t know where to start? You aren’t alone. Luckily, there are many organizations, charities, resources, and other ways you can tap into to help a veteran.
Here are some ways you can get started today:
1. Getting a Veteran the Medical Attention and Care They Need
Many veterans do not get the medical care and attention they very much deserve. Unfortunately, there are an estimated 1.3 million uninsured veterans nationwide. This number continues to grow with an additional 0.9 million who use VA (Veterans Affairs) care with no other health insurance coverage. If you know a veteran in need of medical attention, you can point them in the right direction. One of the organizations are The Head Strong Project. They offer free mental health treatment. You can also volunteer or start a fundraiser for many organizations that offer these services.
2. Help Veterans Find Work
Many times, veterans are looking for work. If you or a friend own a business that needs an extra hand, think about offering the position to local a veteran who could use the job. Wounded Warrior Project and Hire Heroes USA offer services to help a veteran find work. On Military Makeover’s Special Edition: “Operation Career,” they travel the country to capture stories of military veterans who are transitioning out of the military and back to civilian life.
3. Help Veterans Get Service Dogs
Some veterans may not have a service dog to assist them in their daily lives. Service dogs can be very costly but make a huge difference in helping those in need. You can help by donating funds to organizations that train service animals for a veteran. A few organizations are K9 for Warriors, Patriot Service Dogs, Pups4Patriots, and America’s Vet Dog, which all provide service dogs free of charge.
4. Help Veterans Who Are Homeless
Unfortunately, there are many military veterans who are homeless. In fact, 23 percent of the homeless population and 33 percent of male homeless population are veterans. Thankfully, this number is shrinking over the years, but there are still many who need our help. You can make a difference today by donating food, clothing, shelter, bedding, bathing items, and other necessities to local organizations.
5. Build a Military Veteran a Home
Many organizations build and update homes for military veterans. These organizations can use volunteers to help build and improve homes. At Military Makeover, for instance, they make home improvements to a veteran’s home. Their mission is to offer hope and a helping hand here on the home front to members of our military. This is a gift that not only affects the veterans but also their loved ones. You can apply to be on the show if you are a veteran in need of a home renovation.
There are many ways to get involved to help a veteran in need. If you would like to help, please don’t hesitate. After all, it is the least we can do to give back for the things veterans have sacrificed. They are our heroes.
