U.S. military personnel and veterans receive assistance from a variety of charitable organizations.
United States military personnel--whether veterans, reserve or active--often face hardship during or after their military careers. Several top military charities exist to help these individuals, serving as advocates to provide more personalized care than the government can afford. These charities assist with things like counseling, grants, medical assistance and legislative advocacy.
Armed Services YMCA
The Armed Services YMCA is a nonprofit organization that works in conjunction with the government to care for American troops, particularly younger enlisted men and women. The organization, given the highest ethical and financial marks by Charity Watch, is based in Alexandria, Virginia, but has more than 160 centers across the world, working closely with the Department of Defense. The organization offers local care for military families, providing counseling and support to wives and children, as well as international relief for personnel.
Armed Services YMCA
National Headquarters
6359 Walker Lane
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22310
202-346-8803
asymca.org
Fisher House Foundation
The Fisher House Foundation, also given the highest level of approval by Charity Watch, is a nonprofit organization built to meet the needs of American military personnel, providing care beyond what the government is able to provide. One of the organization's major efforts are "comfort homes", comfortable homes located near military and veterans hospitals for use when being treated. Because military or veterans must often travel great distances to receive medical attention, these homes provide a comfortable place to stay. According to the website, the Fisher House serves more than 11,000 families annually, and there is at least one house near every major military hospital nationwide.
Fisher House Foundation
111 Rockville Pike
Suite 420
Rockville, Maryland 20850
888-294-8560
fisherhouse.org
Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization--given the highest rating for a military charity by Charity Watch--that takes care of injured veterans of the Iraq war. The organization raises money and awareness in order to build homes that cater to the disabilities of injured veterans. Veterans are not charged a cent for the service, and eligible veterans can be given up to $63,780 for a new house. Charity Watch gave Homes for Our Troops high marks based on money spent directly on programs, overhead costs and ethical use of finances.
Homes for Our Troops
6 Main Street
Taunton, MA 02780
866-7-TROOPS
homesforourtroops.org
Tags: Fisher House, Homes Troops, Armed Services, Armed Services YMCA, Charity Watch, Fisher House Foundation, House Foundation
