Veterans Resources for a Successful Move
Moving can be an incredibly stressful time for anyone. For veterans, the challengers may be amplified due to service-related injuries, disabilities, or mental health disorders. If you or a loved one are a veteran planning a move, there are many resources available through the government and organizations across the country to make your relocation as smooth as possible.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)
State CSBG organizations provide services such as emergency assistance for low-income people, including veterans. Funds offered through CSBG grants can be used to find housing, buy a home, pay utilities, or cover rent payments. You can find your local CSBG agency through the Department of Health and Human Services website.
VA Housing Assistance
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides an array of services including case management, mental health services, and addiction treatment options for veterans. The VA Housing Assistance program helps vets finance and refinance their homes, as well as provides grants to adapt homes for accessibility. If you have questions about buying, selling, repairing, or adapting your current or future home, contact your local VA center for more information.
Relocation Assistance Program
The Relocation Assistance Program is another service provided through the VA for veterans receiving VA health care who are moving closer to VA facility. Eligible veterans can receive house-hunting assistance as well as packing and moving services. Contact a local VA Voluntary Service Office to apply. A representative will assess you needs and help coordinate your move through a network of service providers.
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers
VASH vouchers are provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and are designed to help housing-insecure veterans move into suitable homes. To be eligible for a VASH voucher, veterans may need to be currently seeing a case manager or getting health care through the VA.
Modest Needs
Modest Needs is a nonprofit organization that helps people with limited financial resources cover small, urgent expenses that may arise during a move including security deposits, utility hookups, storage fees, and moving truck rentals. To receive help at Modest Needs, vets will need to register and complete an application for assistance grants. It's important to note that funds are paid directly to the vendor, not the veteran.
Local Religious Organizations
Vets in need of assistance while moving may find assistance at local churches, temples, mosques, and synagogues. Religious organizations may offer funds, food, and other resources to help people in need. Even if they can't help financially, they can often provide a referral to a local program that can, or provide volunteers to assist in the move.
The YWCA
This is a women-focused organization offers a variety of assistance programs for people in need of housing, including transitional services that can help with moving expenses. Ex-military women can get help at the YWCA by locating their nearest YWCA program online or by calling the organization's national hotline.
Planning and preparation will help the moving process go off without a hitch. There are many resources available through the VA, nonprofit organizations, and community agencies that can offer support and guidance to veterans in the middle of a big move.
Author Bio
Kent Reason is an editor and content specialist with Ohio Recovery Center, a substance use treatment center located in Van Wert, OH. ORC offers an array of services for addiction and mental health, including multiple levels of care and evidence-based treatment options.
