How can I help a homeless veteran get in touch with specific VA programs, such as housing, utility assistance and job opportunity programs?

SSgt Paul Esquibel — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 20:57:24 -0500

Need assistance, best friend and current Veteran living in Jessup Maryland is currently homeless. He's staying at a shelter pending the gov't starting up again for VA programs. He has no income other than his disability, he has extreme PTSD and back injuries. He does however have a degree in finance/accounting but cannot find work due to lack of experience. Can anyone assist with specific programs the VA offers that he may not know of especially for housing, temporary utility assistance and job opportunity programs I can put him in touch with so that he can begin to re build his life? He was recently kicked out of his residence by his long term girlfriend. Please let me know. Thank you

Response by LTC Stephan Porter made Jan 11 at 2019 8:59 PM

LTC Stephan Porter — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 20:59:21 -0500

I will pass this on to folks in Maryland! I will PM you if I get a hit.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jan 11 at 2019 9:00 PM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Fri, 11 Jan 2019 21:00:13 -0500

Try calling Red Cross Hero Network

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Jan 12 at 2019 12:31 AM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 00:31:47 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs may have some ideas. He is the #1 ranking member on RallyPoint in the world, as well, so...there's also that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2019 11:16 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 11:16:02 -0500

Each state has a Family Assistance Coordinator (FAC) and Specialists (FAS) that are provided by a National Contract, but work with the state's National Guard Family Program Office. Most have a 1-800 number or a dedicated line for their lead coordinator. The Family Assistance Specialists provide essential services to current service members, retirees and veterans regardless of branch as long as they meet certain criteria. Those services include:

Family Service (financial, household, counseling, and health benefits)
ID Cards (DEERS)
Child and Youth Services
TRICARE assistance
Red Cross emergency assistance
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)
Education/GI Bill benefits
Military One Source

These FAC and FAS are a wealth of knowledge and resources and are located throughout the state so that they can provide local assistance to those that need it. You should be able to google Family Assistance Coordinator or Specialist or even Family Programs and include your state. All states should have a DMA site and most probably even have a Facebook page with their numbers on it.

Hope that helps some!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Jan 12 at 2019 3:56 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Sat, 12 Jan 2019 15:56:16 -0500

SSgt Paul Esquibel I've got two friends here on RallyPoint that may be able to assist you in the Maryland area for this veteran (at least give you some additional resources or ideas). The first is Nicci Eisenhauer - please send here a connection request and see if she can provide some additional ideas on resources in the Maryland area. The second who actually works to help homeless veterans, but is on the West Coast, but may be able to provide some insight on programs that your veterans friend can reach out to is Carrie Nowocin - please connect with her here in RallyPoint and see what assistance or resources she can share with you. Thanks, Mikel

Response by SSgt Paul Esquibel made Jan 15 at 2019 9:11 PM

SSgt Paul Esquibel — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 21:11:37 -0500

Thank you all for your assistance I managed to convince him to leave Maryland and he’s currently in route to Shreveport Bossier at which point we’re going to contact the Texas VA for assistance as he is only three hours for me as I am in DFW