24 O.U.R. House

Federal Level Support

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): This is the primary federal agency for veteran support, offering a vast array of benefits and services.

• Main Website: https://www.va.gov/

• Benefits & Services Overview: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/veterans-benefits/

• VA Grants (for organizations/states providing services): https://department.va.gov/grants/

• Education Benefits (GI Bill, etc.): https://www.va.gov/education/

• Healthcare: https://www.va.gov/health-care/

• Disability Compensation: https://www.va.gov/disability/

• Housing Assistance: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/

• Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E): https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/veteran-readiness-employment/

• U.S. Department of Labor - Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS): Focuses on employment and training services for veterans.

• Programs: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs

• Federal Student Aid - Aid for Military Families: Provides information on education benefits beyond the GI Bill.

• Website: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/military

• Military OneSource: A comprehensive resource for service members, veterans, and their families, provided by the Department of Defense.

• Veteran Assistance: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/benefits/veterans-benefits/

• USA.gov - Programs and Services for Veterans: A good starting point for navigating various government resources.

• Website: https://www.usa.gov/features/programs-and-services-for-veterans

 

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State Level Support

Most states have their own Department of Veterans Affairs or similar agencies that offer specific benefits and services to veterans residing in that state. The best way to find these is to search for "[Your State] Department of Veterans Affairs" or "[Your State] veteran benefits."

Here's an example for Illinois, as that was the current location:

 

• Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs (IDVA):

• Main Website: https://veterans.illinois.gov/

• Education Benefits: https://veterans.illinois.gov/services-benefits/education.html

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) - Military Service Education Benefits: https://www.isac.org/students/during-college/military-service/

• National Veterans Foundation (NVF) - State Benefits for Veterans: This page offers a comprehensive list of links to individual state veteran benefit websites.

• Website: https://nvf.org/state-benefits-for-veterans/

 

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Major Non-Profit Organizations Supporting Veterans

Many non-profit organizations work to supplement federal and state efforts, often focusing on specific needs or demographics.

 

• The American Legion: A large veteran service organization that advocates for veterans and provides community support.

• Website: https://www.legion.org/

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Provides free services to veterans and their families, focusing on benefits and employment.

• Website: https://www.dav.org/

• Wounded Warrior Project (WWP): Dedicated to the well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans and their families.

• Website: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Advocates for veterans' rights and provides support to service members, veterans, and their families.

• Website: https://www.vfw.org/ (You'll likely find a link to your state's VFW department from here as well, e.g., vfwil.org for Illinois).

• AMVETS: A veteran service organization that provides a wide range of services.

• Website: https://www.amvets.org/ (Again, look for state-specific chapters)

• Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA): Focuses on advocacy and support for post-9/11 veterans, including mental health and suicide prevention.

• Website: https://iava.org/

• Homes For Our Troops: Builds specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans.

• Website: https://www.homesforourtroops.org/

• Fisher House Foundation: Provides comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free of charge while a loved one is receiving medical treatment.

• Website: https://fisherhouse.org/

• Operation Homefront: Provides financial assistance, housing, and family support services to military families.

• Website: https://www.operationhomefront.org/

• Hire Heroes USA: Empowers veterans through employment assistance.

• Website: https://www.hireheroesusa.org/

• PenFed Foundation - Military Heroes Program: Offers grants for military-to-civilian transition, employment, and community leadership.

• Website: https://penfedfoundation.org/how-we-help/military-heroes-program/