Many Veterans and their dependents are not aware that there are different types of pensions available no matter
how old you are!
Parents DIC: A monthly benefit paid to parents of Veterans who die in service or as a result of a service-connected
disability. There are qualifying income limits and the amount available is based on the parent's monthly income.
Death Pension: A monthly benefit paid to unmarried surviving spouses and dependent children of wartime Veterans
whose death is not due to a service-connected disability. There are qualifying income limits and the amount payable
varies based on the amount of other income. There is no age limit!
Veteran Pension: Dependent on the Veteran's monthly income...designed to bring Veterans up to a basic standard
of living. There is no age limit!
Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: Wartime Veterans and surviving spouses who have in-home care or you live
in nursing homes or assisted-living situations and are incapable of self-support and in need of regular personal
assistance.
Project VetAssist (www.vetassist.org) a free online service, guides Vets or their survivors applying for the VA
NOTE:
You can apply for the Pension above OR the Compensation program at a time (compensation would be if you are
handicapped from your service OR became ill because of what you may have been exposed to during serving).
Once you receive a decision on one program, you can then apply for the other program.
Fill out Form 21-2680 for both programs and you can only apply for ONE program at a time!
Phone: 800-827-1000 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
VA CLAIMS INTAKE CENTER
To submit forms for Pension program: (Income based)
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 5365
Jamesville, WI 53547-5365
&
To submit forms for the Compensation program (NOT income based)
Claims Intake Center
P.O. Box 4444
Jamesville, WI 53547-4444
NEW!! TIME SENSITIVE GRANT! July 2020
The Wayne County Veterans Service Fund has received a grant for Veterans who have served in PEACETIME,
newly eligible to benefit!
Of the grant money, $50,000 will go toward credit vouchers and gift cards to be given to Veterans in need for
food & household essentials. The remaining $469,736 will be provided on a reimbursement basis for Veteran's
rent, mortgage, property taxes, transportation, medical, food and clothing, as well as parking & transportation
fees associated with visiting the Veterans Services offices.
To learn about eligibility and to apply for a gift card, voucher or reimbursement, Veterans are encouraged to
call the Veterans Services office at 313-224-5045 OR google Wayne County Veterans Services.
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR VETERANS
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Emergency Assistance
Phone: 800-642-4838
The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency can provide assistance to families and individuals with temporary financial
issues and require assistance with utility bills, vehicle or home repairs, medical bills or other debts.
This program provides:
- Emergency financial assistance
When you fill out the online application, be sure to specify the amount requested, the reason you are applying for
assistance and how quickly it is needed. Please note that information submitted on this form will be used to connect
you with available resources, including the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. However, it is not a Trust Fund application.
An MVAA resource center representative will be in contact within 48 hours once the form has been submitted to help
connect you with available resources. This program helps honorably discharged veterans.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund
Phone: 800-MICH-VET
Emergency assistance through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund (MVTF) is no longer available to just wartime veterans!
For the first time in its 75-year history, the MVTF will provide emergency assistance to eligible peace-time era veterans
65 years and older under a new pilot program.
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Similar to its Emergency Grant Program for wartime-era veterans, the MVTF’s 65+ Peacetime Program allows veterans
who served in a peacetime era, have at least 180 days of service and were discharged under honorable conditions to
apply for emergency assistance. The assistance helps veterans overcome unforeseen situations causing a temporary
or short-term financial emergency or hardship that a grant will resolve and for which the applicant can demonstrate the
ability to meet future expenses. Covered expenses under the 65+ Program include utility bills, home repairs and rent
and mortgage assistance. Veterans interested in applying for the 65+ Peacetime Program should contact the MVTF county committee serving the county they reside in or fill out & submit the emergency assistance form available on
the MVAA’s website. Veterans can call 1-800-MICH-VET to be connected to their county veteran representative.
Medical Reimbursement Pension
Veterans Construction Communities Foundation
27735 Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48081
Phone: 586-777-2115 Phone: 313-398-9308 Bill White
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for a "Non-Service" related "Medical Reimbursement Pension" through
the Department of Veterans Affairs. This pension allows eligible Veterans and their spouses with:
- Help with bathing & dressing
- Transferring to & from bed
Call for more information on the qualifications & process!
Wayne County Soldiers & Sailors Relief Service Group
&
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Emergency Grant Fund
Wayne County Veteran Services Office
400 Monroe #405
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313-224-5045
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Veterans can obtain financial assistance from the Soldiers & Sailors Relief and the Michigan Veterans Trust Funds.
Assistance may be granted to an indigent veteran, or a spouse, widow/widower, or minor children of a Veteran.
To be eligible you must:
- Have recognized wartime service (including women's auxiliaries) or an expeditionary medal
- Be unable to provide the basic necessities of life
Recognized War Periods:
Persian Gulf 8/2/1990 to Present
Vietnam 2/28/1961 to 5/7/1975
Korea 6/27/1950 to 1/31/1955
Word War II 12/7/1941 to 12/31/1946
WWII & Russian Service also recognized
Please bring the following documents:
- DD-214 (Military discharge) or Service Letter (MUST BE LEGIBLE)
- Valid State of Michigan Photo ID
- Verification of Income and Expenses
- Eviction Notice (Court Ordered Judgment)
- Tax Notice of Property being taken for Delinquent Taxes
- Birth Certificate or Proof of Legal Guardianship for Minor Children
For Deceased Veterans, also bring:
- Itemized funeral bill, if apply for burial reimbursement
If you do not have the required documents, we will provide you with a checklist and ask that you return when you
have the missing documentation.
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Monroe County:
29 Washington
Monroe, MI 48161
Phone: 734-240-7359
Email:
Everyone for Veterans
P.O. Box #1081
Issaquah, WA 98027
Provides dental care, eye care and other assistance to combat veterans through professionals that volunteer their
services.
Veterans in Crisis
Phone: 231-493-6717
Veterans who are in need in northern Lower Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula can turn to Veterans in Crisis,
a nonprofit formed by veterans in 2016. The organization covers 21 counties and provides rapid, confidential response
to veterans in need. A need can be anything from rent assistance, to help with un- expected medical bills and vehicle
repairs, or even a ride to an important appointment. The organization’s volunteer vets will contact you up to two hours
after submitting their form to understand the scope and urgency of your need. Then, they will get in touch with their
network of service providers to arrange quick support.
Soldiers Relief Commission
In some counties, emergency relief grants are available to MI veterans who do not meet MI Veterans Trust Fund criteria.
Funds are limited, so the commission makes an effort to refer veterans who are eligible to other sources of financial assistance. Contact your county Veterans Affairs office.
Michigan Military Family Relief Fund
Dept. of Military & Veteran Affairs
P.O. Box 30261
Lansing, MI 48909
The M.F.R. Fund provides financial assistance to families of soldiers suffering financial hardships as a result of active-
duty or a line-of-duty related injury or illness. The M.F.R.F. enables the Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs to provide
grants of up to $2,000 in a calendar year to qualifying military families of Michigan's active-duty Army National Guard,
Air National Guard and military reserve members. The funds can be spent on clothing, housing, medical, services,
utilities, or any other related necessities of daily living. The need would have to occur while a family member is on
active duty, or be the result of a line-of-duty related injury or illness. Download an application from the site.
Families United for Our Troops
P.O. Box 930073
Wixom, MI 48393
Phone: 248-669-3312
Military Families United is a national coalition of Blue Star, Gold Star, Next of Kin, Veterans, and Patriotic American
Families whose mission is to Honor The Fallen, Support Those Who Fight, and Serve Their Families. This is a WON-
DERFUL website filled with resources!
Operation First Response Inc.
20037 Dove Hill
Culpeper, VA 22701
Phone: 888-289-0280
We serve all branches of our nation’s Wounded Heroes and their families with personal and financial needs. Services
are provided from the onset of injury or illness, throughout their recovery period and along their journey from military
life to the civilian world. Financial aid varies as each case is based on individual needs ranging from:
- travel expenses to and from major medical facilities
Military Warriors Support Foundation
211 N Loop 1604 E #250
San Antonio, TX 78232
Phone: 210-615-8973
Military Warriors Support Foundation awards payment-free vehicles to combat wounded veterans and to unmarried
Gold Star spouses whose loved ones were Killed-In-Action.
Requirements to Apply:
Military Warriors Support Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, founded by LTG. Leroy Sisco (Ret), In 2007. Our
mission is to provide support and programs that facilitate a smooth and successful transition for our nation’s combat wounded heroes and Gold Star families. Our programs focus on housing and home ownership, recreational activities, transportation assistance and leadership development. Through our pro- grams, we award mortgage-free homes and
payment-free vehicles to combat wounded heroes and Gold Star spouses. In addition to the home or vehicle, the fam-
ilies receive family and financial mentoring.
1. Must be a combat wounded veteran from any American military conflict or be an unmarried spouse
of a veteran who was KIA during combat or combat training (Purple Heart recipients given priority)
2. Must be honorably retired or separated from the military or within 90 days of discharging
3. Must be able to obtain vehicle insurance
4. Must not have more than 1 vehicle loan/lease per household
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Services Provided by our Programs
Homes4WoundedHeroes & Homes4GoldStars program awards mortgage-free homes to combat wounded heroes
injured while in service to our country. In addition to the home, the recipient will receive 3 years of family and fin-
ancial mentoring.
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Apartments4Heroes provides a payment-free 1 year lease, in an apartment complex. In addition to the apartment,
the recipient will receive 1 year of family and financial mentoring.
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Transportation4Heroes Awards payment-free vehicles to combat wounded heroes injured while in service to our
country & Gold Star spouses who’s loved one made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. In addition to the vehicle,
the recipient will receive 1 year of family and financial mentoring.
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Skills4Life provides recreational outings and peer-to-peer mentorship with hunting, fishing and golfing adventures.
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Leadership4Life program provides a 2-year program to help veterans transition the skills they acquired in the military
into the leadership skills for the civilian workforce.
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WellnessRides4Heroes provides no-cost transportation to get veterans to and from their medical appointments.
(Only available in Bexar County).
AIR FORCE SOCIETY (AFAC)
Phone: 800-769-8951
The “official charity of the US Air Force”, the AFAC provides emergency assistance, sponsors education assistance
programs and offers an array of base community enhancement programs that improve quality of life for Airmen and their families.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Phone: 800-REDCROSS
The Red Cross provides emergency communications that link them with their families back home, access to financial
assistance in partnership with the military aid societies, information and referral and assistance to veterans.
ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER)
Phone: 866-878-6378
Army Emergency Relief provides Soldiers and their Families financial assistance in a time of need.
COAST GUARD MUTUAL ASSISTANCE
Phone: 800-881-2462
Assists during a time of financial need. Assistance is provided through counseling, short-term interest-free loans, financial grants, referrals, and other related means.
NAVY / MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY (NMCRS)
875 N. Randolph #225
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: 800-654-8364
GET ASSISTANCE FOR URGENT FINANCIAL NEEDS
We understand the unique challenges of military life and their impact on your finances. NMCRS is ready to assist
you in meeting your needs with an interest-free loan or grant.
Financial Assistance and Education:
NMCRS can help with everyday living expenses such as rent, food or a car repair, military pay issues, permanent
change of station (PCS) support, or medical and dental costs. We offer a range of assistance along with financial
education to help you navigate your financial future.
Emergency Travel:
If you need to travel due to the illness or death of an immediate family member, NMCRS offers expedited service
to assist with the cost of transportation.
Disaster Relief:
When unforeseen natural or human-made incidents happen, NMCRS is there to assist Sailors and Marines.
Quick Assist Loans:
Active-duty Sailors or Marines may receive an interest-free loan of up to $1,000 to meet urgent financial needs
with a Quick Assist Loan (QAL).
- Active duty or retired Sailor or Marine
- Eligible family member with military ID card
- Reservist on extended active duty of 30 days or more
The Fallen and Wounded Soldiers Fund
P.O. Box 33099
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0003
Phone: 800-FWSF-729
FWSF, a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization, is committed to stewardship of the monies entrusted to us by donations
to provide supplemental assistance to the military and their families with assistance that helps with immediate fin-
ancial needs.
VETERANS RETURNING HOME
17955 E 11 Mile
Roseville, MI 48066
Phone: 586-285-5606
The goal of Vets Returning Home is simple: to end chronic homelessness among veterans in our communities.
Our mission is complex, requiring more than putting a roof over the veterans’ heads. It requires an approach that
address the “total veteran” and his needs and making sure they succeed after they are transitioned. We are a vol-
unteer operated 11,000 square foot facility with 43 beds and commercial kitchen. 6 of the 43 beds are dedicated
to females only. We provide a stable and sober living environment to veterans in crisis. On-site services including
employment readiness training, aid with job placement, disability benefit connection, legal support and life skills
training. Community support both physical and financial has been vital to our ability to continue our mission. Vets Returning home receives NO government funding. We have successfully transitioned on average 250 veterans a
year back into society as a fully functioning community member.
The Michigan National Guard Family Fund was created to assist Air and Army National Guard families who exper-
ience financial difficulties with temporary emergency financial assistance, and to fund programs and training to
maintain and improve the quality of life of our Michigan National Guard families. The fund provides for up to a $500
grant to soldiers and airmen and their family members who encounter financial hardships. An application must be
Duskin & Stephens Foundation (U.S. Special Operations Community)
The mission of the Duskin & Stephens Foundation is to support the United States Special Operations Community
through direct support to families of fallen operators, healing programs designed to combat the effects of PTS, TBI
and loss of a loved one, and youth scholarships for children of active duty members of our community.
Faces of Valor USA
Faces Of Valor USA is a non-profit organization with a mission to raise money for scholarships and financial aid for
men and women in the military, fire, police and EMS services who have been injured or killed in the line of duty as
they have protected us and provided safety and security for our American way of life.
Michigan Bikers Helping Veterans (Michigan)
The Michigan Bikers Helping Veterans (MBHV) is a registered non-profit charity that receives donated funds to dis-
ribute in Michigan to provide assistance to deserving families of the fallen and/or wounded service personnel, or
veterans in critical financial need.
Operation Family Fund
Our mission is to assist the injured and families of the those who have been injured or killed as a part of the Global
War on Terrorism, whether domestic or abroad, military or civilian, with financial grants for transitioning to their new circumstances and achieving financial self-sufficiency.
Operation One Voice
Operation One Voice provides emergency and/or immediate support to wounded or fallen SOF families on a case-by-
case basis working directly with the United States Special Operations Command Care Coalition.
Special Ops Survivors
These funds are intended to cover critical expenses such as insurance deductibles and car repair bills.
Salute American Heroes
100 Broadway
Ossining, NY 10562
Phone: 914-432-5400
Offers several programs such as Homes For the Wounded, Kids Camps, Family Support Network, and Emergency
Financial Aid (pays for utilities, mortgage & rent, groceries, car payments including deposits and repairs, home
repairs, air travel & lodging, school supplies & clothing, medical bills & co-pays and loans).
USA Cares
P.O. Box 759
Radcliff, KY 40159
Phone: 800-773-0387
The mission of USA Cares is to help service members and their families around the globe by helping with emergency
expenses. Since its founding in 2003, the organization has assisted more than 3,010 families & resources more than
$1.2 million in grants for emergency needs like clothing, travel, food, auto repair, and other expenses. Service mem-
bers and their families can make a request for funds through the organization's website.
UNMET NEEDS PROGRAM
VFW National Headquarters
406 W. 34th
Kansas City, MO 64111
Phone: 816-756-3390
&
VFW Washington Office
200 Maryland Ave., N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
Phone: 202-543-2239
The VFW offers a wide range of assistance programs aimed at helping veterans of every generation. That means
providing free, professional help filing or appealing a VA claim, offering scholarships for post-secondary education or providing emergency financial relief when times get tough, the VFW is there for America's veterans.
VFW Auxiliary National Chapter
406 W. 34th St.
Kansas City, MO 64111-2721
Phone: 816-561-8655
The VFW Auxiliary offers cancer grants to members who are battling cancer.
Eligibility requirements:
1. Applicant must be a member of the VFW Auxiliary for one (1) full year
2. Current dues must be paid before applying for a cancer grant
3. After twelve (12) months have passed from date of diagnosis or last treatment, application will not be accepted
4. A member is allowed two (2) grants during lifetime. Twelve (12) months must elapse between new diagnosis
and/or treatment from date of first grant for a second application to be considered. Continuous treatment
which lasts beyond the twelve (12) month period will qualify for a second grant
5. Application will be rejected if member has been deceased for longer than 30 days
SOLDIER'S ANGELS
2895 NE Loop 410 Suite 107
San Antonio, TX 78218
Phone: 210-629-0020
Soldiers' Angels has programs to support military families, deployed service members, wounded heroes, and veterans
of all eras. Our programs are broken into categories based on the population they serve. Most of our programs could
not be possible without the support of our wonderful Angel volunteers who dedicate their time, money, and talents to
the organization.
The National Association of Atomic Veterans
Phone: 1-800-729-7327
This group is searching for about 195,000 vets who were exposed to radiation from atmospheric nuclear tests between
1945 and 1962 OR as part of the occupation forces at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These men and women could receive a
one-time $75,000 benefit from the U.S. government under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act of 1990 or a monthly disability payment of up to $2,673 from the Dept. of Veteran Affairs if they contracted any of 21 different cancers traced
to radiation exposure. Few veterans have applied for these benefits. Their widows and children are eligible too, if their family member died before receiving a benefit. Applicants need medical records and location of exposure. Once the application is filed, government lawyers ask the Defense Threat Reduction Agency for help in verifying the claim.
Wounded Warrior Project
7020 AC Skinner Pkwy. #100
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: 877-832-6997 904-296-7350
Provides the following programs:
Grants to VA Hospitals to purchase life-enhancing and life-saving equipment (Healthcare for Heroes)
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Provides money to organizations dedicated to providing affordable housing to Veterans (Housing for Heroes)
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Provides used adapted vans donated to or purchased directly by the organization. Additionally, they may assist
in adapting a vehicle for a veteran who meets certain financial guidelines (Vans 4 Vets)
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Wounded Warrior Project starts at the beds of the severely injured as they undergo treatment and rehabilitation at the
Dept. of Defense facilities and throughout their rehabilitation. To be eligible the veteran must be an honorably discharged
veteran of the United States military and have a severe physical disability which leaves him/ her in a wheelchair. Also, the veteran's income must fall within the poverty guidelines established by the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs for a single person
or family.
Patriot Express Pilot Loan
Phone: 313-226-6075
Available to active-duty service members as well as veterans and their spouses. The Small Business Association is
making the Patriot Express loan available through its network of participating lenders across the country. These loans,
which are available in amounts up to $500,000 can be used for most business purposes, including start-up, expansion, equipment purchases, working capital, inventory or business-occupied real estate purchases.
&
Military Reserve Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Up to $1.5 million that can be used to help reservists prepare their businesses before they leave. They can also be used
to help manage their businesses while they are gone.
COALITION TO SALUTE AMERICAN HEROES
552 Fort Evans Suite 300
Leesburg, VA 20176
Phone: 703-291-4605 Toll-Free: 888-447-2588
For the thousands of seriously wounded veterans in Afghanistan and Iraq, the struggle to overcome the challenges
in their lives caused by the injuries and illnesses they sustained in combat is one that must be endured every day.
The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes was established to ensure that in return for the sacrifices they made for
us, these wounded veterans and their families receive all the support needed to restore their hope and rebuild their
lives. Founded in 2004 as a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c) (3) organization, the Coalition is among the nation’s lead-
ing charities whose donors provide the wounded veterans and families of Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation
Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn the aid and assistance needed for their long roads to recovery.
MARINE CORPS LAW ENFORCEMENT FOUNDATION
273 Columbus Ave. Suite 10
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
Phone: 877-606-1775 Toll Free
OUR MISSION:
Thanks to our generous donors, MC-LEF currently establishes a $35,000 educational account for every child who
loses a parent serving in the United States Marine Corps or any Federal Law Enforcement Agency. Since our found-
ing in 1995, MC-LEF has awarded over $78 million in educational accounts and other humanitarian assistance to
over 4100 recipients. We have only one paid employee and, therefore, the vast majority of our efforts are performed
by a dedicated group of volunteers who run our various events. Additionally, all officers and board members are also volunteers and together, we are extremely efficient in running our organization so that donor funds are predom-
inantly used to accomplish our mission of Educating the Children of Those Who Sacrificed All.
AMERICAN LEGION CHARITIES
P.O. Box 361626
Indianapolis, IN 46236
Phone: 317-860-3009
PROGRAMS:
National Emergency Fund:
Directs immediate cash grants to Legionnaires who are recovering from natural disasters.
Endowment Fund:
Funds Temporary Financial Assistance grants to Veterans with children in need and Department Service Officer
Schools so service officers can provide quality assistance to Veterans.
Legacy Scholarship Fund:
Provides scholarship money for children whose parents have died on active-duty since Sept. 11th, 2001.
Soldier's Wish:
Identifies the unmet needs of U.S. military personnel, Veterans and their families, and provides the necessary
resources to meet those needs.
The PenFed Foundation
P.O. Box 1432
Alexandria, VA 22313-1432
Phone: 703-838-1200
The Emergency Financial Assistance program will be removing the combat related service requirement, and will
be accepting all Post-911 veterans under a pilot program from Nov. 20, 2020 to March 20, 2021. To be eligible for
this program you must:
- Have a VA disability rating of 10% or more
- Have been honorably discharged
- Financial setback must be at least 30 days and no more than 90 days
National Cancer Assistance Foundation Military Fund
140 S. Beach Suite 310
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 866-413-5789
The National Cancer Assistance Military Fund supports active military and veterans struggling with cancer by
providing financial assistance for the non-medical costs of getting a patient to treatment and other living exp-
enses that may be incurred. Assistance may be requested for up to two months or 60 calendar days. Financial
assistance is not retroactive and does not assist with medical bills, mortgages, or credit card bills. Financial
assistance is not guaranteed and subject to availability of funds.
Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen or lawful, permanent resident of the U.S. who have maintained an uninterrupted residency
- for 12 months without prior history of the current illness
- Must be in active treatment at time of application.
- Must be an active military member or veteran
- Must meet income guidelines
Coverage Area: This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR GOLD STAR FAMILIES! Click on the Yellow Star!
MILITARY FAMILIES!
Soldier's Angels Baby Brigade
Soldiers’ Angels Baby Brigade provides virtual baby showers for expectant families of the military community,
including:
- Spouses of deployed service members
- Spouses of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans
- Expectant post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans
Expectant mothers will receive virtual baby showers from Angel volunteers across the country. Our dedicated
volunteers not only shop for baby items to help the military family prepare for their new little bundle of joy but
many also put their personal sewing and crafting talents to use and lovingly create handmade baby gifts, will
including blankets and booties. In addition, mothers receive a special gift basket from Soldiers’ Angels.
FREE HELP FOR FAMILIES WITH AUTISTIC CHILDREN
ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today) for Military Families
ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!), is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to raise
awareness and provide treatment services to families that cannot afford the treatments and services their children
require. Recognizing the extra-ordinary challenges military families experience (waging a battle on two fronts...one
for their country and another for their children), ACT Today! for Military Families is a dedicated fund to assist military
families impacted by autism. ACT Today! for Military Families works to improve awareness and delivery of effective
autism services, and provides financial assistance to military families to help defray out-of-pocket costs associated
with autism treatments and other quality of life programs.
FREE COMPUTERS, ETC.
OPERATION WE ARE HERE
Operation We Are Here is a one-stop HUB of resources for the military community and military supporters that offers:
- A clearinghouse of resources for the military community
- Practical insights in caring for the military community
- The ONLY interest-based list for military supporters
- Free Thank You cards to download, print and share
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With the generosity of our supporters, our Operation Reconnect programs provides computers to military families,
providing them the means to stay in touch across the miles.
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- Adopt a military family programs (deployment, Thanksgiving, Christmas)
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Financial assistance for:
- Families of the fallen (Gold Star families)
- Homelessness (or at risk)
- Military discounts and more
- Transportation assistance
FREE HELP FOR VEHICLES
Keys to Progress
Since 2013, Progressive has been honoring veterans with vehicle donations through the Keys To Progress®
program. So far, we’ve donated more than 600 vehicles to veterans and veteran organizations. The one-day
vehicle giveaway event happens every November and is a strong source of pride for everyone who works
here.
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Every November, we host a one-day vehicle giveaway event for veterans at various Progressive offices and
authorized vehicle repair facility locations across the United States. Counting this year, we will have donated
more than 600 vehicles to veterans and veteran organizations since 2013. Applications are reviewed starting
in May of each program year and recipients are typically selected and contacted by September 30th per year.
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If you are a veteran and have interest in being a Keys to Progress program vehicle recipient you need to apply
through a non-profit organization (e.g., charity, military association like a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post,
Veterans Administration (VA) hospital, etc.) and meet specific criteria. (Visit the website for more detailed infor-
mation.)
FREE VACATIONS FOR VETS!
CHALLENGE ASPEN
P.O. Box 6639
Snowmass Village, CO 81615
Phone: 970-923-3004
Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities (CAMO) provides adaptive therapeutic recreation and wellness experiences
for military personnel diagnosed with cognitive and/or physical disabilities. CAMO offers an opportunity for veterans,
their spouses/partners and caregivers to reconnect with outdoor recreation activities through professional adaptive
instruction for summer and winter sports. CAMO encourages participants to attend one summer and one winter retreat
so they can be exposed to one or more activities that may open the door to continued health and wellness.
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If you are interested in attending a CAMO retreat, please follow these steps:
1. Please refer to our eligibility guidelines to make sure you qualify.
2. Fill out the online application.
3. Read, sign and submit the Drug and Alcohol Policy form.
GARY SINESE FOUNDATION
PO Box 368
Woodland Hills, CA 91365
Phone: 888-708-7757
At the Gary Sinise Foundation, we serve our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families,
and those in need. We do this by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, stren-
gthen, and build communities.
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HOME MODIFICATIONS, MOBILITY DEVICES & ADAPTED VEHICLES
First Responders Outreach, we provide help to critical funding for emergency relief, training, and essential equipment to
ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities. heroes next door. We also help those that are severely wounded
in the line of duty by building 100% mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes, as well as home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to restore their mobility and independence. strengthen our defenders. Through the Gary
Sinise Foundation’s First Responders Outreach, we provide help to critical funding for emergency relief, training, and essential equipment to ensure these heroes perform to the best of their abilities.
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R.I.S.E. SPECIALLY ADAPTED SMART HOMES
We’re constructing one-of-a-kind specially adapted smart homes for our nation’s most severely wounded heroes. This
initiative predominantly supports our Post 9/11 defenders, that were injured in combat operations or during training
while performing their duties. These 100% mortgage-free homes ease the daily challenges faced by these heroes and
their families who sacrifice alongside them. We’re also providing home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted
vehicles to our injured, wounded, ill, and/or aging heroes. Many wounded heroes lack the means to update their homes
and customize their transportation to suit their individual needs. We’re providing our injured, wounded, ill and/or aging
heroes with the resources they need to regain their mobility and independence.
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SNOWBALL EXPRESS!
Gary Sinise Foundation Snowball Express serves the children of fallen military heroes. In 2017, Snowball Express
became an official Gary Sinise Foundation initiative. We are committed to maintaining the wonderful traditions while
finding new and exciting ways to serve our families of the fallen.
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H.O.P.E.
Heal, Overcome, Persevere & Excel. Our H.O.P.E. initiative provides complete support to those who have experienced
trauma, illness, injury, or loss during their times of urgent need, sometimes with assistance as simple as help paying
bills or buying groceries.
Vacations for Veterans LLC
9435 Lorton Market St. #105
Lorton, VA 22079
Vacations For Veterans seeks to provide a week of free lodgings to veterans who have been awarded the Purple Heart
Medal for action in any military campaign after 2001.Though it would be our honor to help all veterans, due to the small
size of our organization, Vacations For Veterans has a very limited mission to help only Purple Heart Medal recipients
during this time period in an effort to help our younger veterans, most of whom cannot afford vacations.
National Military Family Association
2800 Eisenhower Ave. Suite 250
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: 703-931-6632
Military Spouse Scholarships
NMFA can help fund education, career, or business goals for military spouses. The mission of this scholarship program
is to help prepare military spouses for meaningful employment and to better contribute to their family’s financial security.
Our scholarships are awarded to spouses of members of all Uniformed Services. NMFA awards an average of $500 for
career funding and $1000 for degrees. Up to $2500 is available for clinical supervision towards licensure in the mental
health profession. Spouses are also eligible for funding, typically $1000, to build their own businesses.
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At Operation Purple Camp we embrace being “purple” and bring together military kids from all ranks and services,
including National Guard and Reserve components, to a unique and memorable summer camp experience.
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Operation Purple Family Retreats provide military families with the opportunity to reconnect as a family. We are bringing families to beautiful outdoor locations in order to provide fun family-oriented activities and the ability to spend quality
time together. We’ve tailored a special retreat program that is designed to support wounded service members and their
families. The Operation Purple Healing Adventures program celebrates rediscovering family-fun and togetherness after an injury.
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Operation Purple Buddy Camp gives younger military kids, ages 5-8, the experience of Operation Purple Camp, combined
with one-on-one bonding and resiliency-strengthening experience with their adult "buddy". The adult can be mom or dad, grandparent or guardian.
Dream Foundation
1528 Chapala Suite 304
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Phone: 888-4DREAMS 888-437-3267
Dream Foundation’s Dreams touch lives, meet essential needs and provide inspiration, comfort and closure at the end of life. Over the past two decades, our Dreams have provided psycho-social and emotional support tailored to thousands of terminally-ill adults and their families. Our work plays a critical role in the special end-of-life care that focuses on improving quality of life for patients and their families. With the support of a nation- wide network of volunteers, hospices, health care organizations and committed donors, Dream Foundation has given life to more than 32,000 Dreams over the past 25 years.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Dream recipients live in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, are 18 and older, are diagnosed with a life-limiting illness with a life expectancy of 12 months or less, and lack the resources to fulfill the Dream themselves.
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Dreams for Veterans
Dream recipients live in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, are U.S. military veterans 18 and older diagnosed
with a life-limiting illness and a life expectancy of 12 months or less, can provide proof of U.S. military service* and lack
the resources to fulfill the Dream themselves. If the applicant is currently serving on active duty, in the Reserve or National Guard, proof of service is required.
Labs For Liberty
PO Box 633
Morgan, UT 84050
Our second mission is to help veterans and their families heal through vacation retreats. We have converted a guest house
on our property into a vacation retreat for combat veterans and their families. Named “Liberty Outpost,” it will provide a
place, free of charge, where combat veterans will be able to vacation with their fam- ilies or teammates. Unlike the Lone
Survivor Foundation, we are not trying to provide professional therapy; rather, we’re just making it affordable for the military family to take a vacation by eliminating the cost of lodging. It is our hope that by providing lodging in the beautiful Wasatch Mountains of Utah, veterans can relax & begin to reconnect.
FREE FEDERAL PARK PASSES FOR VETERANS!
Many Veterans, with a service connected disability rating, are entering Federal recreation lands and national parks for free
with an America the Beautiful-the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Lifetime Access Pass through an inter-
agency partnership between the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation. Good for entry into thousands of fed-
erally managed recreation sites across the country, the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank
you for the service and sacrifices of U.S. Veterans with disabilities.The Access Pass admits the pass-owner and any pas-
sengers in a single, private vehicle non-commercial) at per-vehicle entrance and day use fee areas; or, the pass owner
plus three additional adults, where per-person fees are charged. In addition to free entry at participating sites, the Access Pass includes discounts on some expanded amenity fees such as camping. Sites recommend that pass owners check with
each site before visiting for details about Access Pass entry and discounts.
Veterans who have been medically determined to have a disability are eligible for the Lifetime Access Pass--with three
options for obtaining the pass:
First, Veterans with disability documentation can order the Access Pass online for a $10 processing fee which includes
standard shipping.
Documentation required includes:
1. Proof of residency
2. VA disability award letter, VA summary of benefits, or proof of SSDI income
Second, the Inter-agency Access Pass may be obtained through the mail. Download a paper application from
fee of $10. Once the application package is received by USGS, the documentation will be verified and a pass
imprinted with the pass owner’s name will be mailed to the applicant. Passes ordered online or through the
mail will be delivered 3 to 4 weeks after receipt of documentation.
Third, an option is for disabled Veterans to visit a participating federal recreation site where inter-agency passes
are issued, present photo identification (e.g., Driver’s license, State ID, birth certificate, Passport, or permanent
resident card), provide documentation of permanent disability, or read and sign a Statement of Permanent Disa-
bility affidavit. That’s It. The Pass is free and issued at the time of entry.
Make sure to have photo ID available when using your Lifetime Access Pass and enjoy the majestic scenery and
abundant recreational opportunities our National Parks provide many Veterans, with a service connected disability
rating, are entering Federal recreation lands and national parks for free with an America the Beautiful-the National
Parks and Federal Recreational Lands lifetime Access Pass through an inter-agency partnership between the U.S.
Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Manage-
ment, Army Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation. Good for entry into thousands of federally managed recreation sites across the country ,the Lifetime Access Pass is another way a grateful nation says thank you for the
service and sacrifices of U. S. Veterans with disabilities.
