Above & Beyond
An Awareness Campaign 

TIME

Volunteer at a local shelter, community dining facility, Veterans center or church that serves the less fortunate and homeless.

Advocacy. Filling out paperwork for disability benefits or other eligible programs takes time and some know-how. Become a veteran’s advocate and work with veterans and families in your area that need assistance filling out forms, claims or researching programs and services available.

Therapy/Treatment.   Therapists, counselors and other mental health or physical health experts, consider providing 1-2 hours of treatment to a shelter or community facility pro-bono.  

Or volunteer with Give An Hour, a national non-profit network of mental health providers donating an hour of time each week to military personnel and their families affected by the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Visit Give An Hour to learn more.

Random Kindness. Take time on your way to work, lunch or coffee breaks to introduce yourself to a homeless person.  It may be a person you see often.  Get to know him or her on a first name basis.  Sometimes, the simple acts of kindness and feelings of community make a huge difference in the life of others who have forgotten what it feels like to be connected.

DONATIONS

Especially important in today’s economic outlook, donate spare money to your local community and faith based organizations need help  providing food, shelter, treatment or therapy, and employment training services.  Donations are usually tax-deductible.

Or, donate last season’s business clothes (in good condition) to shelters and employment training facilities.  Most homeless veterans are male, however; there are also women that are homeless and in transition.  Providing them with business attire helps them make a better impression.

Businesses and professionals can donate old equipment – computers, cell phones, and other tools that will help re-establish a person in the business and social community.

RESOURCES

Mentor.  Provide mentoring to a homeless person in your area of expertise.   Often, veterans who are in transitional housing or permanent housing programs are employed or seeking employment.  Help them re-adjust into the business community by sharing your skills, networks and guidance.

Trade/Services Equipment. Veterans that are attending trade schools often need equipment or tools to help them start their careers.  For example, a veteran seeking employment in the food services industry will need equipment and tools necessary to that craft.  Donate your old equipment or provide new equipment to those in need.