Veteran Services

One in five homeless adults is a veteran.

In the United States, nearly 47,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and twice as many experience homelessness during a year. Right now, the number of homeless Vietnam-era veterans is higher than the number of service persons who died during the Vietnam war, and veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are already appearing among the homeless population.

Since 1992, we've been offering targeted veterans’ programs, and we're currently the leading human services provider to homeless veterans in the Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Evansville, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne metro areas. We're committed to ending homelessness for those already on the street and preventing others from becoming homeless.

At Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, we have immense gratitude for those men and women who have sacrificed for our country. We Proudly serve over 3,000 veterans in Ohio and Indiana each year. We recognize that as a result of their service, veterans have particular needs that require special support. We take pride in assisting them in multiple ways. Below is some information about our programs for veterans and the ways in which others can get involved.

Various Programs for Veterans

Our organization aims to offer a variety of needs to this deserving population. Our many programs provide aid and support to 3,000 veterans and their families annually while targeting unemployment, substance abuse, and homelessness. Recipients are encouraged to take advantage of multiple offerings so they can move forward into a rich and fulfilling life.

Employment programs run the gamut from job skill development to providing transportation. For veterans suffering from mental illness, substance abuse issues, or a dual diagnosis, various services are available to address and treat those conditions so a healthy existence can be restored.

Housing for Homeless Veterans

Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana work hard towards ending homelessness among veterans, recognizing that it is an acute problem not only in the Midwest but nationwide. Therefore, addressing it is one of our top priorities. Through our partnership with the Home Depot Foundation, we are striving to reach our goal of having all veterans living and thriving in independent housing.

While the specifics vary geographically within the region, we are able to offer veterans a range of housing options, including affordable housing and emergency shelter beds. We operate our housing programs in conjunction with other support services. With the assistance of case managers, clinical treatment programs, support from their peers, and a stable housing situation, veterans work towards permanent employment and independent housing.

How You Can Help

Volunteers of America continually seeks enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to assist in various capacities in our organization, such as working in our thrift stores or hosting a birthday celebration. When you organize a donation drive, group activity, service project or fundraiser, you are making a direct impact on the life of a veteran and his or her family.

There are various ways that you can help, including:

• Making monetary donations to Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana
• Giving gently used or new items to our thrift stores
• Donating your auto to be sold at auction to benefit veterans
• Providing donations of basic supplies such as toiletries and clothing
• Contributing “Welcome Home” kits of household items and cleaning supplies
• Sponsoring or hosting a Veterans Day dinner

If you are a veteran or would like to help veterans, contact  Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana.