America's Vets Helping Vets for Life is a 501(c) 3 committed to helping Military and Homeless Veterans successfully reintegrate back into civilian life by providing individualized services such as  Vet to Vet mentoring and information on services and resources for Job Placement, Housing, Education, Healthcare, and VA Benefits in an atmosphere that promotes dignity and respect.

 

Americas Vets Helping Vets for Life will be the preeminent vet agency in DC serving the chronically homeless veteran population.  We will do this by providing comprehensive services and case management and by building strong partnershps.

Statement of Need

Objectives

This Veteran March On Washington will accomplish two things: They are to make transitioning from military to civilian life as seamless as possible. Second to have Vet-to-Vet mentoring set-up for Veterans who have been out for a while and know the system to assist newly discharged Veterans and their families with any paperwork they need to fill-out to get benefits and healthcare.

 

 The program used, is geared toward assistance, motivation and direction, designed to change the thought-processes of not only the Homeless Veterans but the minds of all Americans concerning their perception of the Homeless Veteran.  We are encouraging the support of a strong community of enthusiasm and look to strengthen bonds between the Homeless Veterans who have a relationship with the organizations that assist and those Homeless Veterans who would like to build one.  We hope this can be accomplished in a short period of time with minimal risks. 

 

VA’s specialized homeless programs served more than 92,000 veterans in 2009, which is highly commendable.  This still leaves well over 100,000 more veterans, however, who experience homelessness annually and must seek assistance from local government agencies and community-and faith-based service organizations. 

Demographics of homeless veterans

 

“The Forgotten Americans-Homelessness:  Programs and the People They Serve” – released Dec. 8, 1999, by the U.S. Interagency Council on the Homeless (USICH)-is the National Survey of Homeless Assistance Providers and Clients (NSHAPC), which was completed in 1996 and updated three years later.  Veteran-specific highlights from the USICH report include:

 

23% of the homeless populations are veterans

33% of the male homeless populations are veterans

47% served Vietnam-era

17% served post-Vietnam

15% served pre-Vietnam

67% served three or more years

33% were stationed in war zone

25% have used VA homeless services

85% completed high school/GED, compared to 56% of non-veterans

89% received an honorable discharge

79% reside in central cities

16% reside in suburban areas

5% reside in rural areas

76% experience alcohol, drug or mental health problems

46% are white males, compared to 34% of non-veterans

46% are age 45 or older, compared to 20% non-veterans

45% need help finding a job

37% need help finding housing

 

Source:National Coalition for Homeless Veterans – Background & Statistics

The Organization

Our Mission

To provide personal services for Veterans that addresses the causes and consequences of homelessness in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, while providing an environment of confidentiality that is neither stressful nor competitive.  We strive to build a strong body of individuals that will shape the community first and the world second with the reality of determination and love.  Our leadership enthusiastically encourages confidence winning on every level of need.  We create an environment of confidentiality that is neigher stressful and competitive, and that inspires leadership, empowering and serving the dreams within the hearts of the people who have served us first by serving our country.​