Veterans Services

Veterans make up 8% of the homeless population in the U.S.

In many cases, housing insecurity, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-medication, and substance abuse disorders can cause those who gave everything to lose everything.

The Salvation Army Serves Hundreds
of Thousands of Veterans Through:

Homeless Shelters

According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), approximately 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night. We offer shelter to those who have protected us and our nation. Whenever a veteran is unhoused, it’s an honor to give them a safe place to rest their head, eat a hot meal, and get a fresh start.

One such example is The Salvation Army of Louisville, Kentucky’s Center of Hope, where enrolled veterans and their families can access the Veterans Service Office to find housing and individualized services. The center helps veterans find employment, discover permanent housing solutions, and research their VA benefits

Rehabilitation Services

Those who serve in the military may be exposed to different traumatic events and conditions and are at an increased risk for PTSD compared to civilians. Trauma, hospitalization, or injury during training or combat also increases the likelihood of alcohol and/or substance use disorders among those who serve in the military. We want to serve those who served our nation when they return home. At our Adult Rehabilitation Centers, we offer access to services to help those who served our nation return to life in the community persevering and thriving.

Community

Veterans often find themselves battling loneliness and depression years after returning home. The Salvation Army is committed to supporting those who served our nation by offering a variety of veterans services to meet their needs. Whether it’s phone cards to call home, wheelchair assistance, large-print Bibles, or a friendly smile and companionship for the afternoon, we’re always ready to come to the aid of a veteran.

From treatment for substance use disorder to facilitating family reunification, housing placement, and job training, The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center (VCF) provides U.S. veterans with support while they rebuild their civilian lives. Additional training for new skill sets and development in the areas of education, employment, health, finance, housing, and social relationships is also available.

Food Pantries

We understand that food insecurity among U.S. veterans and their families can be particularly difficult when piled on to the other stresses they endure. Our food pantries and meal programs provide veterans with access to the nutrition and resources they need to build food security.

For example, our Salvation Army in Redding, California, operates a Veterans Groceries food pantry every Wednesday, providing food and supplies to military veterans and their families

Job Training

Leaving the military represents a significant turning point in every veteran’s life. Veterans often struggle to find work after leaving their military jobs, despite being qualified. In addition to job training, The Salvation Army’s Veteran Employment Services provides veterans with resources such as job placement, benefit certifications, and adjusting to life in the civilian workforce.

Spread the Word

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Our veterans are still fighting battles.

At least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD and/or depression.

A $25 donation helps provide one veteran a week of counseling at The Salvation Army. Donate now.

PTSD can lead to addiction.

More than 20% of veterans with PTSD also suffer from an addiction or dependence on drugs or alcohol.

When you donate your used goods to The Salvation Army, you help fund rehabilitation programs that heal addiction. Donate now.

Coming home to homelessness.

Veterans of our armed forces represent 8% of the U.S. homeless population.

A $200 donation to The Salvation Army provides a veteran with shelter and a bed for one week. Donate now.

We have made it our mission to serve veterans who've served us.

It all began with doughnuts and coffee for soldiers during World War I, and it only grew from there. Today, The Salvation Army offers a range of veterans services, providing comfort, support, counseling, and a home to thousands of veterans in need each year. We express gratitude for our veterans’ service to our nation by offering a hand and our hearts to those struggling to find their way after coming back home.