The United States has 1.32 million active-duty service members, with most serving in the Army. But after years of service, transitioning back to civilian life can be difficult. Certain military-related exposure experiences can result in long-term physical and mental health problems. And about 5% of veterans experience homelessness.
Here are some Philly-area organizations assisting veterans by connecting them to crucial support systems.
The VMC was founded in 1980 by local Vietnam War veterans. Supporting over 6,500 veterans and their families across the Philadelphia region, the VMC offers a variety of services. This includes its Veteran Employment Program (career coaching and employment referrals), housing assistance, benefit assistance, and suicide prevention.
The Women Veterans Program was founded in 2014 to meet the specific needs of female veterans. All locations provide resources such as civilian transition assistance, benefits counseling, and housing services. The Old City location has a clothing closet, computer lab, and food pantry. The WVP also maintains a calendar of free community events for women and their children.
The network supports veterans in their professional careers with job search assistance, networking opportunities, business referrals, and a “Take a Vet to Work Day.”
The Veterans Village Bernard Spain Campus has 47 units of affordable, permanent housing. Applications are currently open. Others can support the Village’s residents by purchasing supplies off its wishlist or by donating directly.
This office assists veterans in accessing the benefits they’re entitled to, including disability compensation, life insurance, and homeless veteran care. Additional resources and benefits are provided for family members, caregivers, and servicemembers.
The VA Medical Center provides healthcare to veterans and their families, including primary care, mental health care, and prescriptions.
This city resource refers veterans to programs offered by the city, state, and federal governments to address issues like fraud prevention, education, and healthcare.
This nonprofit provides emergency financial assistance to veterans who need help covering housing, utility, and transportation costs.
Merakey’s Veterans Assistance Services include home care and daily living assistance, harm-reduction housing, respite care, and transitional housing for veterans with serious mental illnesses.
The Wardrobe offers free clothing to those in need, whether professional clothing for a job interview or casual clothing to fill back up your closet. While this service generally requires appointments, the Wardrobe also hosts “open wardrobe” days for veterans to drop in.
