Blog
Why Trust Is the First Step in Helping Veterans in Crisis
For many veterans experiencing homelessness or navigating a personal crisis, the greatest obstacle is not the availability of services but the uncertainty of whom to trust. Past disappointments, stigma, or fear of judgment can make asking for help feel risky, leaving urgent needs unaddressed and opportunities for stability missed. When trust is absent, even well-intentioned programs may go unused, prolonging hardship and isolation. At National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), we focus on establishing trust as the first step in care. By listening carefully, meeting veterans where they are, and offering [...]
What “Housing Stability” Actually Looks Like for Veterans
For many veterans experiencing homelessness, the phrase “housing stability” can feel abstract or even intimidating. It’s easy to imagine stability as a single moment: signing a lease, moving into an apartment, or receiving temporary shelter. While those steps are critical, they represent just one part of a much larger process. At National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), we work every day to help veterans and their families understand that true housing stability is a sustained journey, not a one-time milestone. It’s about creating consistent, safe, and supportive environments where veterans can [...]
Ways to Help Veterans and Make a Real Impact
The veterans in our community have given so much in service to our country. Many continue to give back, yet others face hardships, including homelessness, food insecurity, health challenges, and difficulties accessing benefits. As neighbors, friends, family members, and community leaders, we all have a part to play in supporting veterans. But knowing how to help veterans in a meaningful, sustainable way can be confusing. This guide breaks down practical, effective ways to help veterans, from everyday actions to larger commitments, while showing how National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) channels [...]
Workplace Giving and Volunteer Days: Engaging Your Team in Ending Veteran Homelessness
For many companies, community impact is more than a line in an annual report. Businesses want to support meaningful causes while strengthening company culture and increasing employee engagement. One of the most powerful ways to do both is through workplace giving and volunteer days. These initiatives allow companies to translate everyday work into real, measurable support for veterans who have served our country and now face homelessness, housing insecurity, or crisis. At National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), we’ve seen firsthand how employer engagement through giving and volunteering not only changes [...]
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Connecting Veterans to the Benefits They’ve Earned
If you are a veteran in Florida, it’s important to know that you are not alone. The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) exists to ensure that every veteran has access to the federal and state benefits they have earned through service. With nearly 1.4 million veterans calling Florida home, FDVA operates as the premier entry point for information, assistance, and advocacy for veterans across the state. Whether you need help understanding your benefits, accessing healthcare, or connecting to housing and employment resources, FDVA has the tools and programs to [...]
Why Early-Year Corporate Commitments Matter More Than End-of-Year Giving
When it comes to charitable giving, many businesses concentrate their donations and sponsorships at the end of the year. While this approach can feel convenient, it often limits the impact that donations can have for organizations like National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS). For nonprofits that serve veterans experiencing homelessness, timing can be just as important as the amount given. Early-year commitments allow NVHS to plan, respond proactively, and maximize the resources we provide to those who need them most. Veterans in crisis don’t wait for the calendar to turn. Emergency [...]
What It Really Takes to End Veteran Homelessness in a Local Community
Ending veteran homelessness in a community isn’t about opening one shelter or relying on a single grant. It requires a coordinated, sustainable system of care that responds quickly to immediate needs, prevents housing loss, and helps veterans transition into safe, long-term homes. In 2024, there were still 32,882 veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States. While national numbers have improved over the last decade, veterans continue to face unique challenges that require local, hands-on solutions. At National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS), we see the realities on the ground every day. [...]
Inside the NVHS Gala: How One Night Funds a Year of Impact
For many businesses, charity galas can feel interchangeable. A nice venue, a plated dinner, a few speeches, and a silent auction. It is easy to assume that once the lights go down, the impact fades with them. The reality of the National Veterans Homeless Support Gala could not be more different. This is not just a single evening on the calendar. It is a carefully designed moment that fuels an entire year of life-saving work for veterans experiencing homelessness. Each NVHS gala exists for one reason: to turn community support [...]
Using the GI Bill for Career Training: What You Need to Know
Using the GI Bill for Career Training: What You Need to Know The GI Bill supports veterans through one of the hardest parts of transitioning to civilian life - preparing for a civilian career. Unfortunately, many veterans associate the GI Bill exclusively with college degrees, but it actually offers extensive support for various career paths. Whether your goal is technical certification, skilled trades, or advanced vocational training, understanding how to use the GI Bill for career training can significantly enhance your post-service opportunities. This article provides practical insights into navigating [...]
5 Entrepreneurship Tips for Veterans Starting a Business
5 Entrepreneurship Tips for Veterans Starting a Business Veterans often possess a distinct advantage in the world of business. They bring a wealth of experience in leadership, problem solving, and strategic planning. These attributes, developed through rigorous training and real-world operations, are precisely what it takes to launch and grow a successful enterprise. Recent census data shows veterans own 5.4% of all employer firms, generating more than 5% of US employer-firm revenue. Veterans contribute significantly to the economy by launching and operating businesses that create jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen [...]
The Role of Internships in Helping Veterans Enter the Workforce
The Role of Internships in Helping Veterans Enter the Workforce Leaving the military is one of the biggest transitions many veterans will ever face. Many have leadership experience, technical skills, and discipline that make them exceptional employees, but translating those strengths into civilian terms can be difficult. Developing effective strategies for this transition is key to finding the right career path and succeeding in a civilian workplace. That is where veteran internships come in. As funding for veteran employment programs expands nationwide, opportunities are growing for service members to gain [...]
On the Green for Veterans: Why Our Golf Tournament Matters to Homelessness Prevention
For many businesses, corporate golf tournaments are seen as a chance to relax, network, and enjoy a day away from the office. While those elements matter, the NVHS Annual Golf Tournament is built around something much bigger. This golf tournament exists to prevent veteran homelessness before it starts and to respond quickly when veterans are already in crisis. Every foursome, sponsorship, and raffle ticket helps National Veterans Homeless Support fund the programs that keep veterans housed, supported, and safe across Central Florida. Veteran homelessness does not begin on the streets. [...]