Welcome Veteran’s and those who are supporting someone who served. We are all grateful for your service.
Here at NEWC, we understand that the veteran population is greatly underserved and faces unique challenges. Seldom do veterans receive guidance on how to navigate the Veteran Affairs system, especially once their contract has ended. NEWC is committed to ensuring that residents in the North End of Grand Rapids can thrive. Working with our GVSU intern, Meghan Swayne, we conducted focus groups to address the greatest needs of veterans. With this information we created a resource sheet addressing employment, education, healthcare, quality of life, hotlines, and some miscellaneous areas. The goal of this project was to make great resources easily accessible.
Hotlines
DoD Safe Helpline 1.877.995.5247
Military/Veteran Crisis Line 988, Press 1
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans 1.877.424.3838 (4AID.VET)
Wounded Warrior Resource Center (MOS) 1.800.342.9647
Housing and Food
VA Homeless Programs: VA is dedicated to helping homeless Veterans and Veterans at risk of homelessness secure and maintain employment leading to increased residential and personal stability. Our goal is to afford Veterans the opportunity to return to healthy, productive lifestyles within their own communities.
Michigan Veteran Homes: At Michigan Veteran Homes, our communities are uniquely tailored to enhance members’ wellbeing and help them maintain their personal freedoms.
West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program: We assist homeless and near-homeless Veterans and their family members who have needs that are not being met by currently available services.
Disabled American Veterans: We stand ready to provide a lifetime of support to veterans of all generations, their families and their survivors at no cost. How can we assist you?
Healthcare
Suicide Prevention Engagement & Referral for Veterans (SERV) Program: Volunteers of America Michigan’s Suicide Prevention Engagement & Referral for Veterans (SERV) Program works to help identify veterans and active-duty members at risk of suicide. This program is funded by the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant and will serve 17 counties in southern Michigan.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Find Help for Mental Health, Drugs, or Alcohol if You’re a Veteran or Former Service Member.
Employment
VA Careers and Employment: We offer the help you need to build your career and find the opportunities that are right for you.
My Next Move: You’ve served your country. Now you’re ready for a new challenge.
Education
VA Education and Training: GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training. Learn more about GI Bill benefits on this page—and how to apply for them.
Discounts and More
Michigan Military Discounts: Welcome! Here is a list of military discounts in the state of Michigan. We have searched to find as many military discounts in the The Great Lake State of Michigan that we could find and we hope that you will be able to use some of these at restaurants, retails stores and when you are out traveling. We thank you for your service!
Michigan Veterans Resources: Individuals who have served in the United States Armed Forces and their families have access to a wide variety of federal benefits and state programs.
West Michigan Veterans Services: The West Michigan Veterans Coalition Military Family Assistance Fund is a limited financial assistance program that was established to address the immediate quality of life needs of Military-connected Families during a time of temporary financial hardship.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency: Call 800-MICH-VET (800-642-4838) to reach our Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center. Our technicians are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trained 211 agents are available after hours, guaranteeing someone can take your call 24/7.
Kent County Veterans Services: We aim to serve the veterans in our community, to assist them in getting the benefits they are entitled to at county, state, and federal levels, as well as connecting them with resources in the community.