More than one American in ten is a veteran, and over one million women are veterans. Over 70% of all veterans are over the age of 50. In 20 years, the number of veterans over the age of 75 will triple.

Homelessness is a problem among veterans. Male veterans are 1.3 times more likely to become homeless, and female veterans are 3.6 times more likely to become homeless than non-veteran females.

State and Federal agencies manage most programs for veterans. These programs typically use Veterans Administration rules to decide program eligibility. The current VA benefits and eligibility manual is available on the Veterans Administration website.

Programs for Veterans

Specially Adapted Housing Program - grants from the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans with specific service-connected disabilities for constructing an adapted home or modifying an existing home 

Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing - program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development that provides permanent housing subsidies and case management services to homeless veterans with mental and addictive disorders

"Heroes at Home" - a program by Rebuilding Together and Sears Holdings for necessary repairs, improvements, and modifications  to homes of low-income U.S. service members, veterans, and military families

"Serving Those Who Serve" - a program by Rebuilding Together  for home modifications and repairs for injured soldiers and veterans returning from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom

Government Loans for Veterans - information about loan programs available from various federal agencies

NOTE: The Veterans Administration is making a special effort to assist veterans who are having trouble making their home mortgage payments...

General Information and Resources for Veterans

The Northland Human Services and Senior Directory - from Tri-County Mental Health Services contains a comprehensive listing of resource organizations and services available in the Northland area (you will need Adobe Reader to view this file - download a free copy here)

U.S. Military Personnel and Veterans - official information and services from the
U.S. government

HUD's Veteran Resource Center - information and resources for veterans from the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

VA Home Loan Guarantee Center - complete information about VA home loans

Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom - information on benefits available to returning veterans through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

Missouri State Veteran's Benefits - information on benefits for veterans provided by the State of Missouri

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - resource and technical assistance center for organizations providing help to homeless veterans

Armed Forces Emergency Services from the American Red Cross provides a variety of basic humanitarian services to help members of the armed forces and their families

Military OneSource sponsored by the Department of Defense provides resources to help military families

Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services for veterans and family members of veterans that served in a combat zone