News Releases (August 2021)
- VA expands rental support, increasing housing options for Veterans - The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded the Shallow Subsidy initiative and will grant $200 million to 238 nonprofit organizations across the country and territories to provide housing rental assistance to extremely and very low-income Veteran households eligible under VA’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families program. (8/25/21)
- VA grants improve transitional housing, prevent Veteran homelessness - The Department of Veterans Affairs will begin awarding $116.4 million in grants Sept. 30 to more than 200 community organizations under VA’s Grant and Per Diem program. (8/24/21)
- VA spotlights special benefits for elderly wartime Veteran population - As a follow up to National Financial Awareness Day, August 14, the Department of Veterans Affairs is launching an awareness campaign to inform elderly wartime Veterans and their families of their lesser-known pension, funeral, burial and survivor benefits. (8/17/21)
- 100 plus VA medical centers implement electronic solution to streamline research - The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Research and Development transitioned all its research sites nationwide and its Central Institutional Review Board, June 30, to the IRBNet platform that will streamline research on behalf of Veterans. (8/16/21)
- VA ensures access to health care as 9/11 anniversary nears - As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the Department of Veterans Affairs is providing those who served awareness of and access to all their health care services, specifically in areas of mental health and post-traumatic stress care. (8/12/21)
- VA expands mandate for COVID-19 vaccines among VHA employees - Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough will expand his previous COVID-19 vaccine mandate Friday, Aug. 13, to apply to most Veterans Health Administration employees and volunteers and contractors who work in VHA facilities, visit VHA facilities or otherwise come into contact with VA patients and healthcare workers as part of their duties. (8/12/21)
- Annual eye exams essential to Veterans’ vision and eye health - August is National Eye-Exam Month and the Department of Veterans Affairs encourages all Veterans and their family members to schedule their annual appointments. (8/10/21)
There's a lot going on right now and we want you to know you don't have to go through it alone. You can find a list of VA and non-profit resources here. Tomorrow and the rest of this week there are also live events to discuss Afghanistan and the struggles many of us are facing right now.
"You Don't Know How I Feel" Navigating Conversations Around Personal Loss
Tuesday, Aug 31, 2021
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST
People sometimes say surprising things to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one, often because they frankly just don’t know what to say. Hosted by TAPS.
REGISTER
Afghanistan: Let's Continue the Conversation
Tuesday, Aug 31, 2021
8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. EST
During this interactive session, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and get answers from experts in real time. You can also submit a question for our panel during the registration process. Hosted by Elizabeth Dole Foundation.
REGISTER
Suicide Prevention Training for Clergy and Communities
Tuesday, Aug 31, 2021
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
This webinar is presented by VA's Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, in collaboration with Office of Integrated Mental Health, Tomah VA Medical Center
REGISTER
Stress Solutions Workshop
Thursday, Sep 2, 2021
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. EST
A live workshop that teaches stress management through learning the signs of stress, practicing relaxation techniques, discussing sleep issues, learning to help others and changing the way you think about stress. Hosted by American Red Cross Military and Veteran Caregiver Network.
REGISTER
If you need to talk please call the 24/7 Vet Center Call Line at 877-927-8387, or find Vet Center locations near you.Need to contact VA?Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, Chat, or Text 838255
Homeless Veteran Resources: 1-877-424-3838 or Chat
White House VA Hotline: 1-855-948-2311
Don't know what number to call?1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411) is never the wrong number
The below link is the 122-page 2021 Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors manual.
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf
The VA use to publish a booklet outlining the categories of benefits available to eligible Veterans. Now that information is available on line at the web link I listed above. Please share this with the Department members, family, and community.
https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/2021_Federal_Benefits_for_Veterans_Dependents_and_Survivors.pdf
The VA use to publish a booklet outlining the categories of benefits available to eligible Veterans. Now that information is available on line at the web link I listed above. Please share this with the Department members, family, and community.
