Veterans Day is a time to honor those who’ve served our country. It’s also an opportunity to lend a hand to veterans in need.
Many organizations work tirelessly to support our veterans. They provide essential services like mental health care, housing, and job training.
In this article, we’ll highlight five reputable veterans organizations. These groups deserve your attention and support, not just on Veterans Day, but all year round.
Why Supporting Veterans Organizations Matters
Veterans organizations play a crucial role in our society. They fill gaps in services that government programs may not cover.
These groups offer a lifeline to veterans dealing with issues like PTSD, homelessness, and unemployment. They also provide a sense of community and camaraderie.
By supporting these organizations, we can help ensure that our veterans receive the care and respect they deserve. It’s a tangible way to express our gratitude for their service.
When choosing a veterans organization to support, it’s important to do your homework. Look for groups that are transparent about their operations and financials.
Consider the impact of the organization. Does it provide services that meet the needs of veterans? Does it have a track record of making a difference?
Lastly, check the financial efficiency of the organization. Your donation should go primarily towards programs that directly benefit veterans.
1. Hope for the Warriors
Charity Navigator score: 99%
Hope for the Warriors was founded in 2006 by military families aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, NC. These families saw firsthand the effects of war on combat veterans and their loved ones.
This organization offers financial and social support programs to veterans and their family members as well as programs that focus on mental and physical wellbeing.
This help includes scholarships for veterans as well as their partners or caregivers, stop-gap therapy services, and programs like Warrior’s WishⓇ, which helps severely injured service members receive life-changing gifts like adaptive equipment, job retraining, or reconnecting with family.
2. The Headstrong Project
Charity Navigator score: 97%
The Headstrong Project is known for delivering mental health and support services to service members regardless of their service area or discharge status. Founded in 2012 by veterans, The Headstrong Project developed the first of its kind, comprehensive treatment program addressing the psychological aftermath of trauma.
The Headstrong project operates in 15 states and provides 30 free PTSD-focused mental health care sessions to service members, veterans, and their families.
3. Homes For Our Troops
Charity Navigator score: 97%
Homes For Our Troops builds and donates specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. They aim to enable veterans to rebuild their lives after service.
HFOT also provides a pro-bono financial planner for three years after recipients take ownership of their new homes. Additionally, this veterans organization offers homeownership education and warranty coverage to set these new homeowners up for success.
4. Purple Heart Homes
Charity Navigator score: 97%
Purple Heart Homes provides housing solutions and employment opportunities to qualified veterans of all ages. Purple Heart Homes helps service members of all eras who sustained disabling injuries in the line of duty. In addition to helping veterans find housing, Purple Heart Homes also offers home improvements to help veterans age in place or simply live more comfortably in their homes.
5. Operation Homefront
Charity Navigator score: 99%
This veterans nonprofit organization helps military families. Many military families rely on one income, and can face serious consequences of interruption to that income. Operation Homefront helps address short term financial emergencies so that they don’t become long term disasters for military families. They also provide transitional housing assistance and caregiver support services.
Bonus: Catch a Lift
Catch a Lift helps post-9/11 veterans regain their physical health with gym memberships, specialized fitness equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition regimens and peer-to-peer support. Regaining physical activity helps these veterans restore their confidence and protect their mental health.
Support on Veterans Day, and Year Round
Supporting veterans organizations isn’t limited to financial contributions. Volunteering your time and skills can make a significant impact. Many organizations welcome volunteers to help with events, administrative tasks, or specialized services.
Another way to contribute is through advocacy. Raising awareness about veterans’ issues in your community can lead to policy changes and increased support.
Lastly, consider organizing a fundraising event. This could be a charity run, bake sale, or online campaign. These events not only raise funds but also spread awareness about the organization’s mission.
You can even coordinate with many of the veterans organizations above to either join their bikes, runs, and walks, or host your own locally. For example, Purple Heart Homes has a yearly cycling event in North Carolina called Take That Hill.
Your support for veterans organizations can make a real difference. It can provide essential services, foster community, and show appreciation for our veterans’ sacrifices.
Remember, every contribution counts. Let’s honor our heroes not just on Veterans Day, but every day.