By Marwa Tahboub, Tatum Thomas, Lucia Koo, Qiwen Zhang, Michelle Shumate
Veterans, service members, and their families often seek a wide variety of assistance, including access to health and benefits services from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), housing and homeless assistance, and financial and employment assistance. These needs frequently co-occur and require the delivery of services by more than one organization. This research examines the various services veterans might need to develop a classification scheme of those services. This scheme categorizes services into basic needs, stressors, and nonessential needs. In addition, it describes commonly co-occurring needs.
We conducted a mixed-method study of veteranserving organizatons to develop this classifcaton scheme. Combining qualitative interviews with 21 intake specialists and providers and surveys of 130 veteran-serving organization leaders, we found support for addressing veterans’ needs using a holistic perspective. Based on practices of interviewee organizations and supporting evidence in the literature, this report presents five recommendations for veteran-serving agencies and organizations so that they may be better equipped to meet the needs of veterans:
- Prioritize basic needs: Participants identified basic needs as ones that can trigger emergencies or catastrophic consequences if unmet. They consistently noted that basic needs must be addressed before stressor needs. Basic needs included behavioral, mental, and physical health, employment, food assistance, clothing and household goods, housing and shelter, transportation, and utilities.
- Address stressors after basic needs are met: Participants identified stressors as serious needs that must be addressed because they will take energy away from a client’s ability to make positive strides. Stressors included VA benefits navigation, legal aid, money management assistance, and education.
- Offer comprehensive care coordination across healthcare and social services: Respondents indicated a strong connection between physical and mental health needs and social needs, like employment and financial stability. We recommend adopting a whole-person care strategy that integrates health and social care. For instance, this could mean providing transportation assistance to enhance veterans’ employment opportunities and mental health.
- Empowerment through financial and employment integration: A multifaceted approach to financial assistance and employment support is vital to veterans’ financial well-being. Incorporating job placement, career development, financial counseling, and emotional support can create a well-rounded support system for achieving financial independence and resilience.
- Provide supportive housing assistance for lasting change: Coordinating employment assistance, income support, and services within housing assistance programs creates a more complete approach to veterans’ housing needs. Supportive housing enhances the quality of life through accessible household items and addresses financial stability to create a supportive environment that fosters sufficiency.