Resources for Veterans and Their Families
Veterans For Peace
Veterans For Peace is a national organization founded in 1985 with over 120 chapters across the United States. It is structured around a national office in Saint Louis, MO and comprised of members across the country organized in chapters or as at-large members. There is an annual convention each year attended by our members, families and supporters from across the nation.
Veterans for Peace Golden Rule Project
The Golden Rule Project aims to advance Veterans For Peace opposition to nuclear weapons and war, and to do so in a dramatic fashion. We have recovered and restored the original peace boat, the Golden Rule, that set sail in 1958 to stop nuclear testing in the atmosphere, and which inspired many peace makers and peace ships that followed. The restored Golden Rule is voyaging once more, to show that a nuclear peace is possible, and that bravery and tenacity can overcome militarism.
The Welcome Home Project
http://www.thewelcomehomeproject.org/
The mission of the Welcome Home Project is to bridge the historic gap between civilian and military worlds through the production and distribution of the documentary film, Voices of Vets. The film will be used to inspire programs which are based in the understanding that true healing for the veterans requires awareness, acceptance and active participation by the people in local communities nationwide.
The Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign
http://www.vn-agentorange.org/
Wars do not end when the bombs stop falling and the fighting ceases. The devastation continues long after, in the land and in the minds and bodies of the affected population.
The Vietnam Agent Orange Relief and Responsibility Campaign is an initiative of U.S. veterans, Vietnamese Americans and all concerned about peace and justice. With this campaign, we seek to fulfill our responsibility by insisting that our government honor its moral and legal responsibility to compensate the Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange.
Iraq Veterans Against the War
Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) was founded by Iraq war veterans in July 2004 at the annual convention of Veterans for Peace (VFP) in Boston to give a voice to the large number of active duty service people and veterans who are against this war, but are under various pressures to remain silent.
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is the nation’s first and largest group dedicated to the Troops and Veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the civilian supporters of those Troops and Veterans.
Our Mission: IAVA’s mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
The Need: The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are in their seventh and eighth years respectively. Nearly two million American troops have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, and thousands have been deployed multiple times.
IAVA addresses critical issues facing new veterans and their families, including mental health injuries, a stretched VA system, inadequate health care for female veterans, and GI Bill educational benefits.
IAVA also provides valuable resources and empowers veterans to connect with one another, fostering a strong and lasting community
Mosaic Multicultural Foundation
Mosaic is a network of artists, activists, community builders, healers, and spiritual teachers working in innovative ways to develop cross-cultural alliances, mentoring relationships, and forms of community healing. Mosaic seeks to inspire awareness through community activities and creative ceremonies that reconnect people to meaningful traditions and sacred ecologies of place, while offering opportunities for personal growth, spiritual awakening, and leadership development.
St Luke Veterans Bridge Fund
(helps with emergency funding for homeless vets)
The project provides small grants to Iraq and Afghan war veterans who are in transition and experiencing temporary setbacks, often as they wait for disability or other assistance.
6835 S.W. 46th Avenue
Portland, Oregon 97219
Gerry Foote
peaceleaves.geraldine@gmail.com
Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/Default.aspx
1-800-273-TALK, Veterans Press 1
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has founded a national suicide prevention hotline to ensure veterans in emotional crisis have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. To operate the Veterans Hotline, the VA partnered with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press “1” to be routed to the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline.
Returning Veterans Resource Project NW
Free Counseling and other health services for returning veterans and their families.
907 NE Thompson
Portland, Or 97212
503.933.4996
Swords to Plowshares
http://swords-to-plowshares.org/
War causes wounds and suffering that last beyond the battlefield. Swords to Plowshares’ mission is to heal the wounds, to restore dignity, hope, and self-sufficiency to all veterans in need, and to significantly reduce homelessness and poverty among veterans.
Thanks to Dan Shea of Veterans for Peace for compiling this information.
Email: untilyoucomehome@gmail.com