How Communities Can Help Keep Our Vets Housed

keepourvetshoused
Jul 13
3 min read

As the veteran foreclosure crisis quietly grows, many Americans ask the same question:"What can I do to help?"

The answer is: a lot. Communities are not powerless in the face of this crisis. In fact, they are the greatest untapped resource in preventing homelessness among those who once wore the uniform for our country.

When government systems fall short, neighbors, advocates, and everyday citizens become the front line. And Keep Our Vets Housed (KOVH) Foundation is here to show communities exactly how to step up.

🔊 1. Raise Awareness: Break the Silence

Most people don’t realize there’s a growing foreclosure crisis impacting veteran families across the country. This is a silent crisis—and silence is deadly.

Here's how you can amplify the issue:

Share KOVH Foundation’s posts and stories on your social media
Host a local info night, town hall, or coffee chat about the issue
Invite speakers to your school, church, or community group
Submit op-eds or letters to the editor to local papers
Participate in awareness campaigns like the National Day of Action on August 15th

Every conversation helps tear down stigma and shine a light on the truth.

🧭 2. Become a Housing Justice Ambassador

KOVH's Veteran Housing Justice Ambassador Program equips passionate individuals in every state to advocate locally and make a difference.

As an Ambassador, you’ll:

Meet with local and state officials to raise the alarm
Build partnerships with local nonprofits and agencies
Connect veteran families to KOVH resources
Be a voice for change in your region

You don’t need experience—just heart, commitment, and the will to say: “Not on my watch.”

💝 3. Support Veteran Families Directly

You don’t have to wait for a crisis to lend a hand. Small actions create big waves.

Donate to KOVH’s emergency assistance programs
Sponsor a family through our “Adopt a Veteran Family” campaign
Offer practical help: meals, transportation, moving assistance, legal aid
Host a gift drive, help with resumes, or offer mental health support

Veteran families are your neighbors. They just need someone to show up.

🧵 4. Organize Fundraisers and Drives

Your community can turn compassion into action by raising funds and collecting supplies.

Try:

Hosting a benefit concert, BBQ, or community dinner
Partnering with local businesses for a portion-of-sales event
Running a gift card drive or school supply fundraiser
Organizing a raffle or auction (like KOVH’s Christmas in July!)

These grassroots efforts fuel the fight—and bring people together for a cause that matters.

🛑 5. Advocate for Policy Change

We can’t solve the crisis without systemic change—and community voices are powerful.

Here’s how to advocate:

Call or write your state and federal lawmakers
Push for the reinstatement of the Veteran Assistance Safeguard Program (VASP)
Demand oversight of VA-backed lenders and servicers
Support funding for veteran housing protections at the local level
Use KOVH’s petition and template letters to get started

Change doesn’t start in Washington—it starts with you.