Veterans Programs

The VA has asked the Elks to focus their efforts in and around the following 13 cities, which they’ve identified as the areas of highest need. The following two additional programs will be available to Lodges in and surrounding these 13 areas.

The Elks Emergency Assistance Fund provides one-time financial assistance to veterans who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness. Veterans registered with and receiving services from the Department of Veterans Affairs in one of the 13 cities with the greatest number of homeless veterans can apply for one-time assistance with rent, security deposit, or utilities. Veterans must be referred by a VA social worker.

• All assistance requests must be submitted through the Department of Veterans Affairs and approved by our main contact at that facility. This form is only available to VA facilities in the 13 targeted areas, with a special focus on veterans in the HUD-VASH program. Individual requests cannot be processed at this time. Eligibility may vary by city.

• Visit the Resources for Veterans page for information about assistance available to veterans outside these 12 areas.
• Read about some of the veterans helped through the Elks Emergency Assistance Fund and other Elks programs in our Be the Spark series.
• If you're in an area where the Elks Emergency Assistance Fund is not available, the best thing you can do is encourage veterans to contact their nearest VA. Our assistance fund is just one of many such resources available to veterans who are working with a VA or SSVF Social Worker. Veterans can also contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans to be connected with someone directly.

Visit www.va.gov/homeless/ to learn more about resources available for housing assistance. Contacting the VA is the only way to access the Elks Emergency Assistance Fund. The VA will also be able to help veterans access other resources. Contacting the Elks office directly will not result in obtaining emergency assistance.

Check out other Elks Veterans Programs! Learn about the Veterans Leather and Elks Voluntary Service Programs, and Freedom Grants.