Veterans Aid Volunteer Resources

Freedom isn’t free” is a phrase that most of us are familiar with. It speaks volumes about the millions who served to protect our country’s freedom. Those people should never be forgotten. Numerous government agencies and veteran aid/volunteer organizations work to ensure that our veterans get the services and support they deserve.

Are you a veteran or know a veteran who needs assistance? Are you looking for ways to improve the lives of our country’s veteran population?  This list of veteran-specific resources can help.

Quick Facts About U.S. Veterans.

• There are about 19 million U.S. Veterans as of 2021, representing less than 10% of the total U.S. adult population (Department of Veteran Affairs).
• Approximately 2 million veterans are women.
• VA estimates for 2021 indicate there are 5.9 million American veterans who served during the Vietnam era and 7.8 million who served in the Gulf War era.
• By 2046, the VA estimates there will be about 12.5 million veterans, a substantial decrease of 35% from today’s numbers.
• There are more than 9 million veterans over the age of 65.
• In California alone, there were over 11,000 homeless veterans accounted for in 2020.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the leading cause of homelessness and unemployment among veterans
• As of June 2020, there are 5.06 million veterans receiving disability compensation.

 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

There are a wide variety services and links on the VA’s website. They help veterans learn about and access the services available to them.  Those wishing to help veterans in their own communities can get information at the VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement.

From there, you can donate money or explore the multitude of volunteer options, like helping provide transportation services to vets or volunteering time at a VA medical center.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Disabled American Veterans is a charity chartered by the US Congress to help disabled military vets and their families with various needs. They offer professional services to help families claim their military benefits, as well as represent veterans’ needs before congress.

This website lists many volunteer opportunities for you to get involved on a local level. Options include volunteering in your local hospital, nursing homes and clinics, running errands for homebound veterans, grocery shopping, or providing transportation to and from medical appointments.

The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)

The Wounded Warrior Project is a volunteer organization founded by veterans for veterans to “give a voice to those needs and empower our warriors to begin the journey to recovery.” The WWP focuses on these core elements:

• Mind – Help wounded warriors recover from stress, PTSD, and associated service-related conditions.
• Body – Provide rehabilitative services to keep vets healthy with sports, health, and nutrition-based activities.
• Economic empowerment – Offer higher education programs for wounded vets, technology training, and employment assistance.
• Engagement -Help vets and their families voice their concerns in local and national issues.
• Family support – Offer assistance to families of wounded vets who need support as caregivers.

Learn more about how you can help by hosting events in your community and or donating your time and/or money.

Veterans and Mesothelioma

Asbestos is a type of fireproof insulation material that was commonly used on ships, aircrafts, vehicles, and more. It was also a popular insulation material in homes and buildings. Unfortunately, people realized too late that asbestos could be deadly. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by breathing in or swallowing asbestos fibers.

Veterans were disproportionately affected. They now account for more than 30% of all Mesothelioma cases in the United States. Veterans and Mesothelioma is an organization that dedicates their time and efforts to assisting veterans and their families with veteran-specific resources and support.

For more information and help regarding veterans and Mesothelioma, download their Free Veterans Support Guide.

Building Homes for Heroes

This organization began after the tragedy of September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Founder, Andy Pujol, volunteered on site with first responders. This led to his remarkable pledge to serve our country and be a support to veterans.

By the end of 2020, Building Homes for Heroes has gifted over 250 homes to U.S. Veterans. To support Building Homes for Heroes, you can make a monetary donation, volunteer, or provide corporate donations.

Aging Veterans Need Your Help Too

One of the greatest gifts of all that you can give an aging loved one is peace of mind. You can offer this kind of help through in-home medical alert services, as well as through other home safety devices and modifications (like installing grab bars).

They’ve served our country to protect our freedoms. We must make time to give back to the brave men and women who served and continue to serve our country.