How to Support Homeless Veterans in Your Community

Posted on October 4, 2025

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

Homelessness is a growing crisis in the United States, and veterans make up a disproportionate share of this population. The men and women who have served our country often find themselves without a home, struggling to survive, and disconnected from the support they need. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that we, as a community, can offer support to homeless veterans and help them regain their dignity, stability, and hope for the future.

In this post, we will discuss how you can support homeless veterans in your community. From providing basic needs to offering emotional support and advocating for policy change, every effort matters. Whether you're an individual, a business, or part of an organization, there are many opportunities to make a significant impact.

Understand the Scope of the Problem

Before offering help, it's important to understand the scale of homelessness among veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), veterans make up approximately 10% of the homeless population. Factors contributing to this include mental health issues like PTSD, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing, and challenges in reintegrating into civilian life after military service.

Homelessness among veterans is a complex issue, and understanding it will allow you to better approach the problem. By recognizing the underlying factors that contribute to homelessness, such as financial instability, job displacement, or emotional trauma, you can better tailor your support to meet their specific needs.

Why Understanding Is Key:

• It helps you approach the situation with empathy.
• It allows for more effective support and outreach efforts.
• It highlights the importance of long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.

Donate Essential Items

One of the most direct ways to support homeless veterans is by donating essential items that can make their day-to-day lives easier. Often, homeless veterans lack the basic necessities that many of us take for granted, such as clean clothes, toiletries, food, and bedding. By providing these items, you can offer both physical and emotional relief to someone in need.

What to Donate:

• Clothing: Gently used or new clothes, especially warm clothing for colder months.
• Personal Hygiene Products: Items like toothpaste, soap, deodorant, and sanitary items are often in high demand.
• Non-perishable Food: Stocking local food pantries with canned goods and other non-perishable food items can provide meals for veterans.
• Backpacks and Sleeping Bags: Many veterans living on the streets need durable backpacks to carry their belongings, as well as sleeping bags to stay warm during the night.

Donating through local shelters, veteran service organizations, or community groups is an excellent way to contribute. Be sure to reach out and see if there are specific items that are in greater demand.

Volunteer Your Time

Volunteering is one of the most impactful ways to help homeless veterans in your community. Veterans may need assistance navigating various systems, from securing housing to accessing healthcare. Volunteers provide valuable support in these areas.

How to Volunteer:

• Serve at Shelters: Many local shelters cater to veterans or offer special programs for them. Volunteering at these shelters is a direct way to help veterans who are in immediate need.
• Assist in Food Drives: Help organize or participate in food drives and distribute meals to veterans in need.
• Offer Support at VA Hospitals: Hospitals affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) often rely on volunteers to assist veterans with appointments, transportation, or simply offering companionship.
• Mentorship Programs: Offering a mentoring relationship to a homeless veteran can help provide stability and guidance as they navigate life’s challenges.

Volunteering with organizations that specialize in helping veterans, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) or American Legion, can have a lasting impact on their lives.

Help Connect Veterans to Resources

While donations and volunteer efforts are critical, connecting homeless veterans to the right resources is perhaps the most effective way to offer support. Many veterans do not know about the assistance available to them, or they may struggle to navigate the bureaucracy involved in accessing these services. Helping veterans access these resources can lead to long-term solutions.

Important Resources to Connect Veterans With:

• VA Healthcare: Veterans can receive free or low-cost healthcare services through the VA. This includes mental health care, which is essential for many homeless veterans suffering from PTSD or other conditions.
• Housing Programs: There are several housing initiatives designed to help veterans secure stable housing, such as the HUD-VASH program, which combines HUD housing vouchers with VA support services.
• Job Training: Veterans can access job training programs to help them transition back into the workforce. Organizations like the Veterans Employment Center (VEC) and American Job Centers can provide job opportunities and career counseling.

By guiding veterans to the services they are entitled to, you can help them rebuild their lives and regain self-sufficiency.

Advocate for Policy Changes

While grassroots efforts are important, advocating for policy changes is crucial to addressing the systemic issues that contribute to veteran homelessness. Many of the challenges veterans face stem from gaps in the system, including insufficient funding for VA programs, inadequate access to affordable housing, and lack of mental health services.

How to Advocate:

• Support Veteran-Friendly Legislation: Advocate for local, state, and national policies that provide increased funding for veteran homelessness programs and improve access to essential services.
• Raise Awareness: Use your voice to raise awareness about the issue of veteran homelessness. Whether through social media, community meetings, or local campaigns, spreading the word can inspire others to take action.
• Work with Local Government: Partner with local government officials to promote policies that address homelessness, mental health, and employment opportunities for veterans.

Your advocacy can lead to long-term improvements in the lives of veterans and help create a system that offers them more support and stability.

Create a Supportive Community Network

One of the most important aspects of supporting homeless veterans is providing a sense of community and belonging. Many veterans, especially those who have served in combat, experience feelings of isolation and disconnection. Establishing a supportive network can make all the difference in their ability to successfully reintegrate into civilian life.

Ways to Build a Supportive Network:

• Peer Support Groups: Many veterans benefit from being around others who understand their experiences. Peer support groups offer veterans a safe space to share their struggles and offer mutual encouragement.
• Community Events: Organize local events that invite veterans and civilians to interact and form connections. These could include barbecues, job fairs, or even community clean-up events.
• Resource Fairs: Organize events that bring together organizations offering resources for veterans, such as job training, housing services, and healthcare providers.

A supportive community network provides veterans with not just the resources they need but also the social connections that are essential for mental well-being.

Homelessness among veterans is a serious issue, but it is one that we can tackle together. By understanding the root causes, providing essential resources, volunteering our time, and advocating for policy change, we can make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

If you’re ready to make an impact, consider donating your time, money, or resources to a local veterans’ organization. You can also reach out to Backpacks 4 Veterans to learn more about how you can help support homeless veterans in your community.

For more information or to get involved, don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or call us at (304) 763-8739. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of veterans who need our help.