These 11 Charlotte nonprofits assist veterans in finding housing and jobs
After returning home from military duty, some veterans often have trouble readjusting to civilian life.
The Charlotte region is home to more than 150,000 veterans, many of whom have utilized local services offered to help them find housing, jobs, health care and education.
If you or someone you know is a former member of the armed services, this guide can help locate resources available in the area.
General Resources
NC Serves - Metrolina: NC Serves offers veterans and their families access in the Charlotte area to a network of organizations that provide legal, financial, housing and employment assistance. Its providers include Atrium Health, Goodwill, Habitat for Humanity and Central Piedmont Community College. You can contact them at charlotte.americaserves.org or call 1-855-425-8838.
Mecklenburg County Veterans Services: The county-based operation offers assistance on service-related disability compensation and pension benefits, healthcare, education and training, home loan assistance and more. New clients should call 704-336-2102 to schedule an appointment.
Veterans Bridge Home: The Charlotte-based organization connects vets and their families to the community through housing, higher education, health care and employment resources. For service information, those interested can log onto veteransbridgehome.org, or call 866-249-6656.
Housing
There are more than 200 veterans experiencing homelessness in Mecklenburg County, according to a recent estimate from Housing Our Heroes. But some nonprofits are working to provide temporary and permanent housing for former service members.
Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region: Habitat for Humanity builds and sells homes with an affordable mortgage to those who qualify. The organization also offers home repairs that address critical needs such as sagging floors, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and roofing.
Roof Above: The Day Services Center at Roof Above offers daily lunches, showers, laundry and medical support to those experiencing homelessness. The organization also runs three men’s shelters that are open year-round.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte: The Support Services for Veteran Families program at the diocese provides services to low-income veteran families in Mecklenburg County.
A Place for Heroes: The goal for A Place for Heroes is to provide a supportive residential community where at-risk veterans have access to community resources, learn life skills and transition to permanent housing.
Housing Our Heroes: Housing Our Heroes provides affordable housing for veterans with a purpose to end homelessness among them.
Education
Since 1944, the G.I. Bill has helped veterans get money to cover all or some of the costs for higher education. Colleges in the Charlotte area offer scholarships and grants for vets and their families.
Employment
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were more than 500,000 unemployed veterans in 2020. These Charlotte organizations can help vets connect with employers that fit their area of expertise:
NC4ME: Part of NC4ME’s mission is to connect military talent to open jobs, education and training jobs. The organization also regularly hosts hiring events.
NCWorks: The North Carolina-based organization helps veterans find employment through job fairs, education and training programs.
Suit Up Charlotte: The nonprofit provides men with business attire and job training programs.
Health care
There are two Veterans Affairs clinics in Charlotte that offer blood testing, mental health care, vision and primary care services. Those with severe injuries or disabilities may be eligible for free medical care.
This story was originally published March 25, 2022 at 4:11 PM.
