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.

Some services offered by these establishments include drop in locations where homeless vets can get a bath, new clothing, meals and camaraderie from others in their situation. They are also able to access assistance to find housing, legal assistance and information on how to apply for benefits available to them. Other benefits may include job assistance or medical assistance.

There are referral agencies available that will direct the client to the appropriate department for help. They may also offer the client help with filling out and filing the proper paperwork in a timely fashion. They sometimes have access to volunteers who will give transportation to offices or even job interviews for clients who have shown they are serious about finding a better life.

Many of these agencies refer to themselves as one stop resource centers. They have volunteers that are well versed in every aspect of available aid for the veteran and his or her family. They will help file disability claims and assist with the follow up paperwork necessary as well as help provide aid and assistive domiciliary care for an individual.

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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