General Questions

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How else can I volunteer? 

We accept general volunteers for projects, and community volunteers for major events, Fundraisers, Tiny home projects, and much more. Please contact us at 254-278-1492 or by email at invastwetrust@gmail.com

I've seen the same homeless person out on the streets for days, I think they are a veteran how can I help?

If you see someone out on the streets continually and believe that they need help, and you know that they are a veteran please feel free to contact VAST. Our staff members have specialized training on interacting with homeless veterans and our veterans themselves. Always be carful when approaching individuals who may be suffering from mental illness, substance abuse, and other disabilities. • invastwetrust@gmail.com or 254-278-1492 Text or Call

What is the best thing to do for a homeless veteran on the street? 

You can keep water bottles, snacks, and/or hygiene items (travel-sized soaps, chapstick, lotion, etc.) in your car to hand out, along with give them our information that can direct them to VAST and we will be able to provide or find the services they need. 

What triggers homelessness?

While circumstances vary, more than 50% say that their homelessness was triggered by an economic factor and or a disability or mental problem due to their service in one of the military branches. 35% of people surveyed cited loss of job as the cause of their homelessness, and 15% of people reported that their bills were higher than their earnings. Another major factor is a lack of affordable housing in the United States contributes to the inability to acquire or maintain housing, particularly in urban areas where homelessness is more prevalent (Source: National Alliance to End Homelessness). A variety of additional factors can contribute to the problem: chief among these are poverty, a decline in levels of public assistance, lack of affordable health care, mental illness, and addictive disorders.  

Why are veterans homeless?

In addition to the complex set of factors influencing all homelessness – extreme shortage of affordable housing, livable income and access to health care – a large number of displaced and at-risk veterans live with lingering effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse, which are compounded by a lack of family and social support networks. Additionally, military occupations and training are not always transferable to the civilian workforce, placing some veterans at a disadvantage when competing for employment. A top priority for homeless veterans is secure, safe, clean housing that offers a supportive environment free of drugs and alcohol. 

What services do homeless veterans need?

Homeless veterans need a community style effort that provides secure housing and nutritional meals; essential physical health care, substance abuse aftercare and mental health counseling; and personal development and empowerment. Veterans also need job assessment, training and placement assistance. VAST believes that all programs to assist homeless veterans must focus on helping veterans reach the point where they can obtain and sustain gainful employment. If not, clients will be unable to find and maintain safe, decent, permanent housing. This will be a major factor during the program that VAST will strive to make possible.