Vets for Vets
When Affordable Access to Healthcare Is Hard To Find
Affordable access to healthcare (including mental health and veterinary care) in homeless and low-income communities is an incredible need across the country, as is breaking the cycle of homelessness amongst veterans. This problem is exacerbated when every V.A. medical center in the U.S. has severe staffing shortages. By keeping an unhoused veteran’s pet healthy, we are protecting an important source of companionship and emotional support.
When Home Is Where The Heart Is
If home is where the heart is, then every pet we treat and human we meet has a home that exists between them. Our “Vets for Vets” initiative focuses on offering free veterinary services to pets of veterans who otherwise would not have access to such care due to a lack of resources. To achieve this goal we participate in large scale events such as Veteran Stand Downs across the United States.
When Your Dog Is Your Shadow (And Sometimes Your Lifeline)
In 2022 (the most recent year for which data are available), 6,407 veterans and 41,484 nonveteran adults died by suicide. Because there are many more nonveterans in the U.S. population, the rate of suicide among veterans was 34.7 per 100,000, compared with 17.1 per 100,000 for nonveterans (Office of Suicide Prevention, 2024b). Shadow, like so many beloved pets, gives veterans like George the emotional support they need to deal with stress and anxiety that can result in dark thoughts when left untreated. The Street Dog Coalition is committed to protecting this human-animal bond, especially when it serves as a lifeline.
Additional Resources for Veterans
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Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? You're not alone—the Veterans Crisis Line is here for you. You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call. Access free, confidential support 24/7, 365 days a year.
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Stand Downs are typically one to three day events during which VA staff and volunteers provide food, clothing and health screenings to homeless and at-risk Veterans. In addition, Veterans also receive referrals for health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment, mental health counseling and other essential services. Click here for upcoming Stand Downs. New events are added regularly, so check often for updates.
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Life has its challenges. As a Veteran you don't have to solve them alone. Take the REACH self-assessment to find support that is designed specifically for you.
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VeteransGuide.org is an initiative founded by the Disability Advocate Group, LLC. They provide comprehensive educational materials and direct access to a panel of expert counselors and legal professionals in collaboration with the National Advocates for Veterans Disability Assistance, LLC (NAVDA).
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Click here for access to digital/printable handouts from the VA on a variety of topics including suicide prevention, healthcare, the PACT Act, the VA Mobile App, and more.
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