Veterans Programs

The VA has asked the Elks to focus their efforts in and around the following 12 cities, which they’ve identified as the areas of highest need. The following two additional programs will be available to Lodges in and surrounding these 12 areas.

The Elks Emergency Assistance Fund provides one-time financial assistance to veterans who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness. Veterans registered with and receiving services from the Department of Veterans Affairs in one of the 12 cities with the greatest number of homeless veterans can apply for one-time assistance with rent, security deposit, or utilities. Veterans must be referred by a VA social worker.

• All assistance requests must be submitted through the Department of Veterans Affairs and approved by our main contact at that facility. This form is only available to VA facilities in the 12 targeted areas, with a special focus on veterans in the HUD-VASH program. Individual requests cannot be processed at this time. Eligibility may vary by city.

• Visit the Resources for Veterans page for information about assistance available to veterans outside these 12 areas.
• Read about some of the veterans helped through the Elks Emergency Assistance Fund and other Elks programs in our Be the Spark series.

For further information, contact the Elks National Veterans Service Commission office at Vets@elks.org, or at 773-755-4736. Or, visit www.va.gov/homeless/.

Check out other Elks Veterans Programs! Learn about the Veterans Leather and Elks Voluntary Service Programs, and Freedom Grants.

Questions? Email Vets@elks.org or call 773/755-4736.

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