Jeanette Garcia
2016-2017 National Veterans & Family Support Ambassador
The Military & Veteran Family Helpline
1-800-313-4200
Thanksgiving is three day away and we will soon be looking forward to Christmas and the winter holidays. While many of us count our blessings, others may be lonely, facing financial hardship, experiencing homelessness or battling depression. It’s important for veterans, active-duty military and their family members to have someone they can reach out to during times of crisis. The VFW National Home for Children’s Military & Veteran Family Helpline can help by offering advice and/or referring those in need of assistance to agencies and organizations in the veteran’s and/or family member’s local community.
The Helpline (1-800-313-4200) is a free service that:
- Is staffed with experienced professionals who will listen and not turn callers away.
- Helps veterans and their families find solutions by providing different avenues of opportunity and problem solving.
- Directs callers to organizations that can assist the caller and help with advocacy.
- Partners with numerous organizations such as: human services, VA hospitals, veterans service groups and service officers.
Phone calls are answered Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern, except on holidays. If you leave a message after 4:30 p.m., your message will be answered the next business day. You may also email the Helpline at help@vfwnationalhome.org for assistance. Please note this is a HELPLINE, not a 24/7 hotline.
The Military & Veteran Family Helpline is one way that our veterans, active-duty military and their families can get help throughout the year (not just during the holiday season). Become familiar with resources in your local community that veterans, active-duty military and their families can utilize in times of need. Some ideas include:
- Housing resources (shelters, low-income, transitional)
- Health/medical services, such as the VA Hospital
- Alcohol and drug rehab treatment centers
- Food pantries and clothing closets
- Domestic violence shelters
- Youth clubs such as Big Brothers, Big Sisters and Boys & Girls Clubs
It’s essential for Auxiliaries to work with other organizations in your community to ensure that our veterans, active-duty military and their families have a comfortable holiday season filled with food, warmth and friendship. In doing so, we can help them move forward to a brighter future.
