Many Americans continue to struggle to meet ends meet, yet these issues are commonly amplified within the military community. Operation Homefront understands these struggles and is committed to helping those who are serving and have served overcome them. According to the website of Operation Homefront Inc., 26% of military families are not financially stable. This is in part due to the fact that two-thirds of them are living in unaffordable housing. It’s no wonder that other issues begin to pop up. Additionally, 30% of active-duty military families are facing food insecurity, as shelter costs are high. Learn more about this incredible non-profit organization and how it helps military families fight back against rising housing costs across the country.
What Is Operation Homefront?
Operation Homefront is a non-profit helping Veterans and active-duty military families overcome financial shortcomings in a time of need. Veteran John I. Pray, Jr., Brigade General for the U.S. Air Force serves as the current CEO and President.
The organization operates in all 50 states but is not available outside of the country. In the event that there is no regional office available for support, the national headquarters step in and take care of the state’s needs.
Founded in 2002, it has provided over $42.5 million in relief through the Critical Financial Assistance program, representing requests of more than 57,000 from military families being fulfilled.
Operation Homefront focuses on emergency assistance for U.S. military troops and their families during deployments and upon return, along with other initiatives that have grown over time.
Overall, the group continues to connect funding with military families in need through its efforts and online fundraising platforms. This may be helping military families get through hard times, mortgage support, back-to-school supplies, and much more.
Get to Know the Programs Available
There are several programs that Operation Homefront offers that are lifting up military families through multiple endeavors. From helping with housing assistance, to preparing families, to getting back to school, here are several programs that are available to the military community:
Operation Homefront Back to School Brigade
The Operation Homefront Back-to-School Brigade is an annual nationwide campaign by Operation Homefront, providing free school supplies, including backpacks, to eligible dependents of service members. Partnered with major brands such as Dollar Tree, over 500,000 backpacks have been distributed.
This has equated to saving military families nearly $55M in school expenses. It’s a crucial resource for families facing financial hardship during the back-to-school season, ensuring children have high-quality supplies to succeed in the classroom.
But support extends beyond getting back to school. There are several recurring family support programs, such as the annual Military Child of the Year Awards gala, Homefront Celebrations, Star-Spangled Babies Showers, Holiday Meals for Military, and Holiday Toy Drive events.
Critical Financial Assistance
Critical Financial Assistance helps service members and their families overcome urgent financial needs such as mortgage payments, rent, utilities, car repairs, home repairs, overdue bills, critical baby items, and groceries.
The program provides grants instead of loans. It is managed by professional caseworkers. They validate the family’s financial requirements before providing support, either by paying service providers directly or providing a grocery card.
Transitional Housing (Villages)
The program connects wounded, ill, and injured warfighters along with their families during the period between military pay and Veteran benefits. Families receive rent-free apartments in San Diego, California; Gaithersburg, Maryland; and San Antonio, Texas, along with comprehensive family support and financial planning services to alleviate financial stress.
Traditional Homes for Veterans
Operation Homefront’s Transitional Homes for Veterans program provides eligible families with rent-free, single-family homes for two to three years. They also provide financial counseling and community support.
Permanent Homes for Veterans
Operation Homefront provides homes without mortgages to Veterans, but it doesn’t stop there. On top of providing mortgage-free homes, Veterans can also receive dedicated caseworkers and financial counselors. They help support Veterans and their families, helping them achieve long-term stability along with homeownership.
Since 2012, the program has served over 700 families transitioning into civilian life. 680 families have successfully completed the program, receiving the deed to their homes and being free of any mortgage obligations.
Is Operation Homefront a Good Charity?
The Operation Homefront Charity Navigator rating is a coveted 4-star at 91%. This showcases that when you give to Operation Homefront, you’ll know that your funds are going to the cause, not someone’s pocketbooks. Whether it’s giving from your bank account or volunteering your time, you’ll be helping the military community in a variety of meaningful ways.
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