Veterans Services

Veterans make up 8% of the homeless population in the U.S.

In many cases, homelessness, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), self-medication, and addiction can cause those who gave everything to lose everything.

The Salvation Army Serves Hundreds
of Thousands of Veterans Through:

Homeless Shelters

According to The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), approximately 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night. We offer shelter to those who have protected us. Whenever a veteran is unhoused, it's an honor to give them a safe place to rest their head, eat a hot meal, and get a fresh start.

One such example is The Salvation Army of Louisville Kentucky’s The Center of Hope, where enrolled veterans and their families can find housing and individualized services helping them find employment, more permanent housing solutions, and research their VA benefits.

Adult Rehabilitation Centers

Those who fought to protect us are at a higher risk for PTSD and drug and alcohol addiction upon returning home. At our Adult Rehabilitation Centers, we offer recovery and work programs in addition to other veteran services to help our country's bravest overcome these struggles and return to life with their families.

Community

Veterans often find themselves battling loneliness and depression years after returning home. The Salvation Army is committed to standing beside those who stood up for us by offering a variety of veteran services to meet their needs. Whether it's phone cards to call home, wheelchair assistance, large-print Bibles, or a friendly smile and companionship for the afternoon, we're always ready to come to their aid.

From substance abuse to family reunification, and housing placement to job training, The Salvation Army Veterans and Family Center (VCF) provides U.S. veterans with support while they rebuild their civilian lives through life skills development around education, employment, health, finance, housing, and social relationships.

Food Pantries

We understand that food insecurity among U.S. veterans and their families can be traumatic when added to the other stresses they endure. Our food pantries and meal programs work hard to provide veterans with access to the food and resources they need for long-term stability.

For example, our Salvation Army in Redding, California, operates Veterans Groceries food pantry every Wednesday, providing food and supplies to military veterans and their families.

Job Training

Leaving the military represents a significant turning point in every veteran’s life. Veterans often struggle to find work after leaving their military jobs, despite being qualified. In addition to job training, The Salvation Army’s Veteran Employment Services provides veterans with resources such as job placement, benefit certifications, and adjusting to life in the civilian workforce.

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Our veterans are still fighting battles.

At least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD and/or depression.

A $25 donation helps provide one veteran a week of counseling at The Salvation Army. Donate now.

PTSD can lead to addiction.

More than 20% of veterans with PTSD also suffer from an addiction or dependence on drugs or alcohol.

When you donate your used goods to The Salvation Army, you help fund rehabilitation programs that heal addiction. Donate now.

Coming home to homelessness.

Veterans of our armed forces represent 8% of the U.S. homeless population.

A $200 donation to The Salvation Army provides a veteran with shelter and a bed for one week. Donate now.

We have made it our mission to serve veterans who've served us.

It all began with doughnuts and coffee for soldiers during World War I, and it only grew from there. Today, The Salvation Army offers a range of veteran services, providing comfort, support, counseling, and a home to thousands of veterans in need each year. We express gratitude for our country's bravest men and women by offering a hand and our hearts to those struggling to find their way after coming back home.