Services Offered By Veterans Helping Veterans

By Eloise Hewitt


When the troops return from combat zones to their homes many have no idea how to access the services available to them. They return injured and disabled in other ways and their return to civilian life is a long and difficult journey. There are few civilian resources capable of helping these soldiers to reintegrate into society. That is why the concept of veterans helping veterans was created.

Working with the military system in an attempt to get benefits can be difficult if you are not familiar with the benefits available or how to access them successfully. The organizations that are most helpful for returning troops are those that involve volunteers who have also been in combat. Many volunteers are themselves disabled or have suffered with PTSD and know how difficult it is to live with. They also know that there is no short term solution to PTSD.

There are locations where homeless vets can stop in for food, clothing, and baths anytime they need to. They will also find that these sites have others who have shared the same experiences and are willing to talk to them about how they dealt with them. On property they can also access help finding a place to live, attorneys, job finding assistance or guidance to medical assistance if needed.

Other agencies specialize in referral services. They have resources that can guide their clients to whatever assistance they need. They offer assistance with the paperwork associated with the referrals and many times will transport the client to the appropriate agency to help expedite the claims.

The volunteers who work with these agencies have intimate knowledge of all available benefits for the returning veteran and his family. The agencies they work with often refer to themselves as a one stop shop for military benefits because their people have the skills necessary to assist nearly every person who requests assistance.

The volunteers in these centers specialize in helping soldiers access pensions and disability benefits. They can also direct them to resources that will pay tuition for college and help them connect with vocational schools for training in a new career. Physical disabilities can make it imperative for those returning home to have access to school and new careers.

Access to support groups has proven very beneficial to disabled soldiers. The groups should be led by a trained psychologist who is versed in the problems related to combat issues. Many groups also deal with addiction issues and family problems. When returning home many individuals do not realize how much the combat experience has changed them. The groups help with these issues along with many others.

The number of troops who return home only to end up homeless is horrific. These men and women have served with honor and deserve the very best we can offer in return. Having the agencies who offer these services to them at no cost is no small step towards that end. Giving access to referral services, personal contact with peers and assistance obtaining benefits they are eligible for makes the effort worthwhile.




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