Veterans Day
"It's about how we treat our veterans every single day of the year. It's about making sure they have the care they need and the benefits that they've earned when they come home. It's about serving all of you as well as you've served the United States of America." - Barack Obama
The history of Veterans Day dates back to the end of World War I. Veterans Day was once referred to as Armistice Day to commemorate the signing of the armistice that officially ended WWI on November 11, 1918. After World War II, the day’s name was changed to honor not just the veterans of WWI but of all wars. However, we cannot stop at simply honoring our veterans one day of the year–veterans need a variety of support all year long due to the long-lasting effects military service can have on individuals.
As reported by the Pew Research Center, there are about 19 million million US veterans accounting for less than 10% of our country's total population. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans writes that as many as 40,000 veterans experience homelessness. This 40,000 accounts for 13% of the total homeless population in the US. 11-30% of veterans go onto develop PTSD and 55% and 38% percent of female and male veterans respectively report experiencing sexual harassment during their service. Numbers like these are devastating for a population of people who gave so much of themselves for our country with the hopes of better lives for themselves and their fellow citizens.
Here at SHARE Detroit, we are partnered with several organizations that support the veterans in our community including Michigan Veterans Foundation, The Transcend Foundation, VETLIFE, The Michigan Warriors Hockey Program, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Stronger Warrior Foundation, The Lawn Academy, and Volunteers of America Michigan.
Michigan Veterans Foundation provides housing and resources for unhoused veterans. VETLIFE and Warriors Hockey provide activities for veterans to engage in while Guardian Angels, Stronger Warrior Foundation, The Lawn Academy, and Volunteers of America provide goods, services, and other support for veterans.
We hope that you will take the time to support these organizations by attending an event, volunteering time, donating money, or shopping their wish-lists! If you are still in search of a nonprofit to support, please check out our directory here.
About SHARE Detroit
SHARE Detroit is a community initiative with opportunities to do good across the tri-county area. A robust online platform makes giving easy by connecting generous people to the greatest needs in the community. SHAREDetroit.org offers local nonprofits a chance to be seen and heard, regardless of cause or size, and work together. Learn more at sharedetroit.org.