Merced Housing Texas’ Post

Today, on Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Yet, we must also remember that the journey doesn’t end when they come home. For too many, the transition to civilian life is marked by challenges that no hero should face alone. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, over 33,000 veterans are homeless on any given night across our nation. Nearly 1.1 million face food insecurity, struggling to put meals on their tables. Here in DC, a staggering 13.5% of the population reports not having enough food to eat. These statistics remind us that while their service may have ended, our duty to them has not. At the Mission, we take a whole-person approach to support veterans, providing emergency shelter, nutritious meals, workforce training, and comprehensive recovery programs. Each night, up to 25 veterans find safe refuge in our shelter—at no cost—as they work towards rebuilding their lives. Through partnerships, social services, and educational opportunities, we empower them to overcome obstacles and achieve sustainable independence. Over 10% of those we serve are veterans, and with a yearly expense of $750,000 dedicated to direct support, we rely on the generosity of individuals to continue this vital mission. Your support makes a profound difference. Today, as we reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans, let us also commit to ensuring that no one is left behind. Join us in giving back to those who have given so much. #VeteransDay

Freedom isn’t free. It’s a reminder for us to take stock of what we are doing to give back for the ultimate sacrifice of so many. Let’s not forget those that pass on our watch when they come back home. Did you know that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-9/11 veterans? Shockingly, 131k soldiers have died by suicide since 2001. We owe it to them to do better. Join us in supporting Stop Soldier Suicide, an organization dedicated to preventing military suicide. Learn more about their work and how you can help: https://lnkd.in/eMDCikTg. Let’s show our gratitude and give back to those who have given so much. Together, we can stop the stigma around mental health and suicide prevention for veterans. #gratitude #giveback #Veterans #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #Veteransmentalhealth #stopthestigma

Every day, 17 Veterans lose their lives to suicide—a heartbreaking statistic that demands our immediate attention. These are our heroes, our friends, and our family members, and we owe it to them to take action now. As clinicians, it is our duty to have those tough conversations. Asking direct questions like "Have you thought about killing yourself?" can make all the difference. It's a difficult question, but one that could save a life. Utilizing the ASQ (Ask Suicide-Screening Questions) assessment during every intake can help identify those at risk and ensure they receive the support they need. This simple, yet powerful tool can guide us in providing the care and intervention our Veterans deserve. Let’s stand together and commit to making a difference. Reach out to Stop Soldier Suicide for resources and support. Our Veterans fought for us—it's time we fight for them. #WaypointVets #SuicidePrevention #Veterans #MentalHealth #StopSoldierSuicide #ASQAssessment #SupportOurHeroes

We share concerns from many experts & advocates following today's #SCOTUS decision to strike down #JohnsonVGrantsPass. It will surely have devastating impacts on unhoused people in this country — many of whom also struggle with #foodinsecurity. Those who are unhoused are vulnerable in so many ways, which often includes struggling to feed themselves and their families. Punishing people who struggle is anathema to both our Jewish and American values. As our friends at the NATIONAL COALITION FOR HOMELESS VETERANS and University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law pointed out, many of America’s #veterans who fought for our country will be impacted by this decision. They deserve support — not barriers or punishments — as they reintegrate into civilian life following military service. The #JohnsonVGrantsPass decision represents the cruelty towards & desire to stigmatize those most in need. It mirrors and emboldens rhetoric we see and hear every day, and it emboldens us to continue to fight for #veterans & all those who are struggling.

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, let's take a moment to honor those who gave their lives for our country, we understand the importance of remembering those we've lost, not just in battle, but also to the unseen scars of war, like depression and other service-related challenges, let's keep their families and loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. Have a safe and enjoyable weekend. #MemorialDayWeekend | #RememberingOurFallenHeroes | #Veterans | #NeverForget | #SynerjeGlobalSolutions

Wreaths Across America: Connect with Families This Holiday Season As funeral professionals, you understand the importance of honoring those who have passed, especially during the holidays. Wreaths Across America provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to veterans and connect with families in your community. Partner with this meaningful cause by: ♦️ Sponsoring wreaths and encouraging families to do the same. ♦️ Hosting a wreath-laying ceremony and inviting community participation. ♦️ Sharing educational resources about Wreaths Across America with families. By supporting Wreaths Across America, your funeral home can strengthen community ties, enhance your reputation, and provide families with a tangible way to remember loved ones during the holidays. Let's work together to ensure that the sacrifices of our veterans are never forgotten. #WreathsAcrossAmerica #FuneralHomes #CommunityOutreach #HolidayRemembrance #SupportFamilies #Veterans

This Veterans Day, let’s shift our focus from parades and celebrations to the real needs of our veterans—especially those who have borne the human cost of war. While we honor their service, it’s crucial to remember that many veterans are still facing immense struggles long after they’ve returned home. The physical and mental toll of service can be profound, yet far too many veterans find themselves without the healthcare, housing, or support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. Instead of just commemorating their sacrifices, we must center the conversation on the systemic changes needed to ensure that every veteran has access to comprehensive healthcare, affordable housing, and the resources necessary for a dignified life. As a society, we owe it to our veterans to do more than celebrate; we need to act. It’s time to prioritize policies that address the deep needs of those who served, not just on Veterans Day, but every day. #VeteransDay #SocialJustice #VeteransCare #HealthcareForAll #HousingIsAHumanRight #MentalHealthMatters #VeteransSupport

🌟 Give More Than You Take 🌟 "Do more for the world than it does for you." At Defenders of Resilience LLC, we believe in the transformative power of selflessness and service, especially within the military community and among those navigating mental health challenges. 💪 For service members, military spouses, veterans, and all individuals striving to make a positive impact, let these words inspire a commitment to giving back and paying it forward. Instead of focusing solely on what the world can offer you, shift your perspective to what you can contribute to the world. 🌟 By giving more than you take, you not only enrich the lives of others but also find fulfillment and purpose in your own journey. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteerism, or advocacy, your efforts have the potential to create ripple effects of positive change. 🌱 Today, let's challenge ourselves to do more for the world than it does for us. Together, we'll leave a legacy of compassion, generosity, and resilience that will continue to inspire future generations. 💖 #DefendersOfResilience #MentalHealth #MilitaryStrong

It's not just about the charming quirks of military housing—like the occasional indoor rain from leaks through electrical wiring, the surprise cold showers that last for weeks or months, the 'vintage' heating systems that decide to retire early, the cracks in walls that compete with the Mid-Atlantic Ridge or the rats that don’t understand we can’t sub-let. Most military families normalise and accept these challenges. It builds resilience and character doesn’t it? It’s all part of the adventure. If you don’t like it leave. Put your big boy/girl panties on and deal with it. But the Kerslake Commission's latest report, "Homes Unfit for Heroes," turns a serious spotlight on the issues that go far beyond a faulty boiler: 🔵 The hit to the physical and mental health of our troops and their families 🔵 The lack of tenant rights 🔵 The career juggling act for partners 🔵 Recruiting personnel 🔵 Retaining top-notch talent from marching out of the door 🔵 Making sure military families can live together 🔵 Facilitating visitation for separated families 🔵 Empowering and supporting Service Personnel to have their voices on accommodation heard. Read the report in full: https://lnkd.in/gKAF4NgR #MilitaryAccomodation #KerslakeCommission #MilitaryHousing Cerise Upham Heledd Kendrick Chloe Mackay Alistair Halliday Caroline Woodward James Murphy Leigh Tingey MSc FInstRE Johnny Mercer Rupert Anderson Wendy Faux MBE Rupert Frere Army Families Federation (AFF) James Banks Tim Unwin Vanessa Plumley MBE Brendan Sarsfield Terrie Alafat Darren Rodwell