Honoring Our Veterans

Each year, we honor our nation’s veterans on November 11th, Veterans Day. It’s a time to take a step back and reflect on the sacrifices these men and women have made to keep us safe. It’s a time to honor them, celebrate them, and thank them. We can never be grateful enough for their service, but we can try! Make sure you take a moment this week to do something special for the veterans in your life. Whether it’s buying a cup of coffee, taking them to lunch, or a simple text message – your words will go a long way in sharing gratitude for their sacrifice.

And, your words and support matter because veterans often face many challenges when they return from service. It can be difficult to return to civilian life and maintain a “normal” job. It’s also common to struggle with poor mental health, physical injuries, and even the need for safe, secure housing. And many female veterans experience additional hardships, including raising children on their own or dealing with the psychological after-effects of military sexual trauma. If they don’t have the tools to take care of themselves or their families, it can lead to homelessness. One out of every ten homeless people in the United States is a veteran, and specifically, the homeless female veteran population is on the rise.

At Volunteers of America, we believe home is the foundation of well-being. That’s why we’ve partnered with community supporters to build Judge Sara J. Harper Village. It’s a new affordable housing program of Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana that’s reaching right into the heart of the Cleveland veteran community. Our goal with this new housing facility is to support homeless and traumatized female veterans, because they are the most underserved segment of the veteran population. Living at Judge Sara J. Harper Village will give them a safe and supportive environment where they can rebuild their lives and maintain well-being.

Surrounded by fellow veterans, they'll stay connected to resources and treatment designed to help them achieve self-sufficiency and thrive.

Learn more about this new housing for women veterans: voaohin.org/harpervillage

Don't forget to share some love with the veterans in your life this week!