Highlighted by Veteran’s Day on the 11th, the entire month of November is designated as National Veterans and Military Families Month. Here are a few different ways you can help support those who return to civilian life after a period of military service, and ideas for honoring the sacrifices made by their families while they served.
Start here
The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs and their VA Voluntary Service organization has teamed up with Americorps and their United We Serve initiative. If this is your first time volunteering to help vets, it’s a great place to start. Join over 75,000 volunteers who’ve contributed over 12 million volunteer hours engaging American citizens and helping to provide lasting benefits for veterans and the communities in which they live.
Welcome them home with an actual home
Habitat for Humanity and their Veterans Build initiative provides volunteer opportunities, employment and homeownership opportunities for veterans and their families. You can get involved in their veteran's building and repair program or connect with your local Habitat office to learn more about special building events and education initiatives.
Team up with DAV
Help veterans gain access to the services and benefits they’ve earned by volunteering with DAV.org. The organization has assisted vets with over $20 billion in earned benefits, while providing rides to medical appointments, hosting job fairs and more. You can make a difference with DAV when you advocate on a veteran’s behalf or get involved directly as a volunteer.
Serve the underserved
The Mission Continues is focused on connecting veterans with under-resourced communities, channeling their talents, skills and preparedness to make a visible impact in cities across the country. There are programs for active military and veterans as well as community volunteer opportunities open to anyone, service opportunities for anyone interested in working with a group and programs specifically designed for women veterans.
Take a vet to the ballgame
Baseball season may be over, but this is a great time to make spring training or summer plans that include volunteer opportunities with vets. Vetbaseball.org organizes ballpark trips for groups of 5-25 vets, and every aspect of the operation could use your help. The mission began in Miami, and the organization is looking to expand so click here to learn more and get involved.
Looking for more volunteer opportunities? Let Create the Good help with this simple search.
