Less than half of military veterans eligible for VA benefits have signed up, and only 13% of veterans have used their VA loan benefits.
Combined Arms, in collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies, is working to increase those participation rates.
“Service members and their families, as they move around the country and get out, don’t know where to go or who to contact. There are so many different organizations, resources, and websites that it can be overwhelming,” explains Thomas Palladino, Executive Director of the Texas Veterans Commission.
With the largest veteran population in the country, Texas is committed to caring for the 1.5 veterans and their families who call the Lone Star state home.
“It’s all about teamwork,” says Juliet Stipeche, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board.
Years ago, she received no response when she approached other organizations to help a homeless veteran. With Combined Arms, a SaaS support platform for veterans and their family members, all partners respond within 72 hours.
“Combined Arts is literally boots on the ground. The customized and curated list of quality partners they are able to provide is best in class,” says Stipeche.
Overseeing the Gulf Coast Region, which includes Houston, she relies on Combined Arms to ensure the growing demographic receives the care and resources it needs. Most recently, the Gulf Coast Workforce Board and Combined Arms partnered to host events to present the available resources in front of those who need them.
“None of us can be successful if we do it on a single plain, which is why a holistic approach is needed. If someone is looking for a career, there is a large chance there are other aspects of their life they need assistance with,” explains John Smith, Southeast Texas Regional Manager, Combined Arms.
Kimberly Wilkerson, a recruiter with WorkForce Solutions’ Southeast office, a branch of the Gulf Coast Workforce Board, says the efforts have been highly successful.
“We have a holistic approach that aims to meet more than one need. At one of our most recent events, 1000 people attended. A hundred of those individuals who didn't know they qualified for VA benefits signed up. That’s life-changing,” explains Wilkerson.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services hopes to be just as successful.
“It’s all about the power of people coming together to create a strong community,” says Eric Johnson, Director of Research and Program Evaluation for the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VADVS).
With the help of the Combined Arms platform, Virginia wants to reach the 90% of veterans in the state who have not connected with VADVS for various reasons.
“Private, public partnerships, like the one we have with Combined Arms, enable us to expand our efforts exponentially and connect veterans with vetted resources whose mission is to serve and work with those who need assistance,” says Johnson.
In South Carolina, without Combined Arms, Alford C. Taylor, Senior Operations Coordinator for the South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs, says they wouldn’t be able to reach veterans in every corner of the state, especially the rural areas.
“It’s all about connecting veterans daily to coalition partners throughout the system. We ensure we stay focused on the veterans, and they get the resources they need to continue to thrive,” explains Taylor.
While un- and underemployment tend to be everyday challenges, veterans and their families also struggle with homelessness, food insecurity and mental health. Through South Carolina’s Pathfinder Program, they are focused on helping in every stage of life, not just transitioning out of service.
“Veterans and military families often think there are no resources available for certain challenges they are facing,” says Taylor. “We are here to show them that is not the case and ensure every veteran receives the benefits and care they earned.”
As states increasingly recognize the advantages of partnering with Combined Arms and the benefits of collaborating with government agencies at all levels, the ability to provide support to those who have served our country is greatly improved.
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Combined Arms (CA) is a 501(c)(3) organization committed to transforming the way veterans and military families connect with vetted resources needed to thrive. Through innovative technology and data sophistication, the Combined Arms platform unites top-tier veteran service organizations, state and federal agencies, and communities with data-fueled insights. This optimizes connection to resources and drives network-wide efficiencies and transparency, ultimately improving the quality of life for veterans and military families so they can thrive.
For more information, visit CombinedArms.us.
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