Veterans now accessing housing support through non-profits

The number of homeless veterans in the US has reached a worrying level over the last several years which has led government officials to prioritize the help required by former service members.

An average of 11 percent of the adult homeless population within the US consists of veterans; predominantly males.

Besides the former service members that have reached this unpleasant position,  another challenge revolves around the improper living comfort disabled or severely injured veterans experience; mostly triggered by insufficient financial support. Home modifications and living assistance services are at too far a reach for veterans living with serious injuries or disabilities.  They are still waiting for the government to implement more effective programs despite the measures already taken in this department.

Solidarity and respect for those who have fought for the country has determined philanthropists to start charity organizations that aim to help veterans access the dignified living situation needed.

Among the many non-profits with these objectives, these are the organizations that have had the biggest impact:

Operation Finally Home

Operation Finally Home  has been created to ensure that veterans who have been wounded, become ill or injured including their families has actually made a big difference.

This organization consists of builders and suppliers. They construct mortgage-free houses for those in need of their help.

This non-profit has been supports those coming home from ongoing campaigns but service members who have fought in previous campaigns are still welcomed to apply. Operation Finally Home continues to grow as more people become aware of their actions and are donating for the cause.

Habitat for Humanity

Although this non-profit handles other causes within the community, they have managed to put together an impressive program called Veterans Build, partnering with over 100 organizations serving veterans.  They aim to provide service members affordable and safe housing.

Their actions have been of great support for former soldiers who are now living with a disability and require specific home upgrades for a safe and comfortable life.

Their volunteers, many of which are veterans, take all the steps necessary to help former soldiers deal with the transition to civilian life in a more effective manner and to access affordable means of home ownership.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, now over 93 years old, often volunteers to help build for this organization.

Homes for Our Troops

Homes for our Troops has become one of the most effective non-profits for veterans in the US.  They serve post 9/11 service members through the donation of existing homes as well as the construction of new homes customized to fit the needs of the veteran.

More than 200 homes have been offed through this non-profits’ work empowering the veterans full recovery as well as independence.

What impressive about this organization in particular is the people involved don’t just want to offer veterans a roof over their heads but want to make sure they are benefiting from a positive living situation. This is why the homes involved in their programs are functional, aesthetically pleasant, spacious and custom designed.

Some of the constructed homes also have signs hanging on the entrance with messages that show the community’s respect for the troops.

To further customize the exterior aesthetics of their homes and continue increasing the awareness of the importance of housing opportunities for former service members, more and more veterans and groups are directly using services such as Design your door signs at Signomatic.com.

Building Homes for Heroes

Just as the name of this non-profit suggests, the people behind Building Homes for Heroes have set as goal to construct and later donate houses to post-9/11 troopers.

With no mortgages involved, veterans are granted with the opportunity of rebuilding their life, being able to focus on their well-being and possible injury recoveries rather than worrying about their housing situation.

Families are also provided with the chance of getting the necessary modifications when a  service member is living with a disability that requires special interior modifications. The efforts of this organization have determined donators who get involved and continue supporting the cause financially.

Operation: Warrior’s Path

Operation: Warrior’s Path is now sponsoring a cause called The Warrior’s Project that targets veterans diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

While various means of support have been granted to veterans with physical injuries and disabilities, the emotional instability many former service members are dealing with has been neglected.  Operation: Warrior’s Path aims to change this dynamic.

Veterans with PTSD can rely on the organization’s housing assistance program, which not only build appropriate homes, but continues to provide the necessary support in order for the ”warriors” to regain their emotional and mental health.

Homes on the Homefront program

One last program, but one that is taking a higher stand is Homes on the Homefront.

Operation Homefront accepts donations consisting of real estate properties, which have been usually granted by large partners such as the Banks of America, Meritage Homes or Chase.

The mortgage-free homes are available for widowed veteran spouses, retired service members and discharged veterans.  An impressive number of applicants have managed to obtain the housing needed through this appealing program as the the organization continues to expand its reach.

Despite their immense role in the society and the efforts and struggles veterans have gone through in order to protect the country, many remain unable to afford housing. Disabled or injured veterans have it even harder as they need special assistance requiring custom design within the home to provide safe use of home.  The cost of such home modifications are simply out of reach.

Luckily, citizens and civic groups are getting more involved and seeking solutions to ensure veterans and their families are getting the living comfort and independence they have so rightly earned. The organizations mentioned have gained most the attention for their pro-active positive actions with effective programs that make this world a better place.