It's a common refrain: It's not that I don't want to help veterans, it's that I don't know how. Well, here's one way: Adopt-A-VA.

Military Outreach USA developed the Adopt-A-VA program so that organizations and individuals across the country could help veterans in their communities. The program connects organizations, such as churches, schools and local businesses, with a local VA medical center.

Through the program, communities can band together to support area veterans and their families, especially though who are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless, or in transition.

Through a variety of programs and services, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has helped reduce veteran homelessness by 50 percent since 2010, but it couldn't have done it without community support. Now, the mission is to end veteran homelessness all together, and that will take a coordinated effort.

You Can Have an Impact

To help with the homeless veteran situation, individuals, business and community organizations can join the Adopt-A-VA program and donate goods or services, support local events or volunteer.

Here are a few things adopters may be asked to do:

• Donate or purchase household items, such as furniture and small appliances
• Assist in a clothing or move-in essentials drive
• Provide assistance delivering donated items
• Staff a booth or hand out materials at a community event
• Spread the word about VA services and resources available to Veterans and their families

"But you don't have to coordinate a community-wide effort or purchase new furniture to support the Adopt-a-VA program," said Joseph Palmer, executive director for Military Outreach USA, in a blog post on the VA's Vantage blog. "You can spread the word about VA services and resources, hand out materials at a community event, or donate lightly used household items."

For more information, or to register as an adopter, visit www.adopt-a-va.com.

Sources:

http://www.adopt-a-va.com/

http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/35349/adopt-a-va-program-brings-non-profits-volunteers-and-local-va-facilities-together-to-better-help-homeless-veterans/