Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served our country and reflect on the importance of supporting them long after their military service ends. For some veterans, the transition to civilian life brings unexpected challenges, including housing instability, financial hardship, grief and difficulty navigating available resources. Through the Florida Veterans Support Line (FVSL), United Way of West Florida helps veterans and their loved ones find support, connect with community resources and know they don't have to face difficult circumstances alone.
Supporting Those In Need
Recently, an Army veteran contacted FVSL seeking assistance with a deposit for a new one-bedroom apartment. He had managed to pay the first month's rent but was unable to cover the deposit needed to secure the apartment and was afraid he would lose the opportunity.
During the call, he shared that he had lost his wife just a few weeks earlier. As he spoke, his voice became shaky, and the weight of his grief was clear. Our Care Coordinator recognized that he needed both someone to listen and help finding a way to secure his housing.
“When he called, I could tell he was carrying a lot more than the stress of finding an apartment. He had just lost his wife, and I wanted him to have the space to talk about her and share what he was going through,” our FVSL Care Coordinator said. “I listened as he talked about their life together, and I knew we needed to do everything we could to help him keep this apartment.”
Security deposits can be difficult to get assistance with, so our care coordinator reached out to organizations in the community and advocated on his behalf.
“We wanted him to know he wasn't alone and that we would keep working to find a solution,” she said.
Paid In Full
Through her FVSL network, CC contacted a veteran-serving organization and a local church to see if they could each help cover a portion of the deposit. Wanting to spare the veteran from having to repeat his story, our care coordinator personally advocated on his behalf with a local church.
The response was immediate.
“We can do it - just get me the information on how it needs paid and I will take care of it today.”
When the care coordinator called the veteran back with the news, he was overcome with emotion. He shared that his wife's faith had always been strong and that he felt this was her and God providing comfort during such a difficult time.
The following morning, the care coordinator received a message from the veteran.
“I wanted to thank the church and you for giving me the first peaceful night of sleep since this tragedy occurred. Thank you so much and God bless you both for what you do to help those in need,” he said.
Support Beyond a Phone Call
This story is just one example of what the Florida Veterans Support Line does for veterans and their families. FVSL is a free, confidential resource available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It connects veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard members, reservists and their loved ones with trained support and community resources.
FVSL Services
Callers can receive emotional support, help navigating difficult circumstances and referrals to resources that fit their needs. These may include housing assistance, mental health services, health care, employment support, family services and other community-based programs. When additional help is needed, veterans can also be connected with a Veteran Care Coordinator for ongoing support and assistance navigating available resources.
What makes this service especially meaningful is the personal connection. Asking for help isn't always easy, and sometimes a veteran needs more than a referral or a phone number. They need someone willing to listen, follow up, make calls on their behalf and help them work through the next steps.
Beyond Veterans Day
As we recognize Veterans Day, we are reminded that supporting those who served means showing up for them throughout the year. It means recognizing their individual experiences, understanding that challenges don't always end when military service does and ensuring they know support is available.
Through FVSL, United Way of West Florida is proud to help veterans and their families find the resources, encouragement, and support they deserve.
We've got your six.
Contact FVSL
Veterans and their loved ones can connect with the Florida Veterans Support Line by calling 1-844-693-5838 (1-844-MyFLVet) or dialing 211. Support is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.