North Carolina is home to over 800,000 veterans, and of those numbers, approximately 150,000 live in the Charlotte region. A city that supports vibrant cultural diversity by blending contemporary lifestyle with Southern charm, Charlotte has one of the fastest-growing economies in the U.S. It leads the state financially with the help of eight Fortune 500 company headquarters, six professional sports teams, the US National White Water Center, the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and an airport that is quickly becoming an “International Gateway to the South.”
A recent poll conducted by Wallethub scored Charlotte at Number 19 overall for the quality of life when it came to the veteran population. In other areas, the city ranked it at Number 69 for health, at 9 for its economy, and at 7 for jobs. The titles for the best cities, however, according to Wallethub were scooped up by Austin, Texas; Colorado Springs, Colorado; Virginia Beach, Virginia; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Plano, Texas.
Even though the poll seemed to point to an overall decline of unemployment and homelessness rates amongst veterans, based on data from the departments of Labor and Veterans Affairs, the reality could be slightly different than the picture portrayed by these figures. All in all, though, it was nonetheless an important step toward correctly gauging how many veterans were actually in sustainable employment situations.
Veteran services all over the nation strive to provide health care, disability compensation, insurance, education and training, pension, home loans, Veteran Readiness and Employment programs, and even burial services to veterans in need. Charlotte is not behind when it comes to making big and essential changes for the veteran population, as well as providing easily procurable services. Here is a list of five of the best veteran service providers currently active in the Charlotte region.
Veterans Bridge Home
The kind and educated staff at Veterans Bridge home realize how difficult it can be to transition to civilian life following active military duty. This is why they’ve made it their mission to help connect and enhance the relationship of veterans with their family members. They help veterans reunite with their family members, navigate employment opportunities, pursue a new profession, locate essential services, and build new social connections.
They will leave no stone unturned until you’ve had the opportunity to get the best care and guidance. Veterans Bridge home, along with their coordination partner NCServes, was able to garner ties with over 70 service providers across ten counties. They also continue to get massive support from the Governor’s office which aims to make North Carolina the “most veteran-friendly state in the country.”
Charlotte VA Health Care Center
Charlotte is home to one of the biggest VA health centers in the country. The $104 million, five-story establishment located at Cascade Pointe Boulevard and West Tyvola Road offers outpatient services to veterans. From basic services to specialty care (such as physical therapy, MRIs, and dialysis), everything is covered by this government body that has multiple branches operating in the city.
Mecklenburg County Veterans Services
Military veterans or family members of military veterans looking to claim the benefits and services entitled to them can get in touch with Mecklenburg County Community Support Services. Currently, the Mecklenburg County Veterans Services Division is serving veterans by appointment only, so call them before you make a visit.
Charlotte Veterans Center
The Department of Military and Veteran Affairs (DMVA) has qualified specialists on their team who are committed to bridging the gap between veterans and the benefits allocated to them. They have 12 offices located in various counties which coordinate with each other to maximize the benefits for veterans. All the services provided by them such as access to current federal, state, and local veterans’ programs, entitlements, and referral services are accessible 24/7 without any charge.
It is quite clear from their mode of operation that they aim to create a transparent and free portal for veterans and their family members to claim the benefits they have earned. And no doubt, providing these essential services – like education, healthcare, and drug rehab for veterans – can mean a great deal to people who are suffering from PTSD and want to reintegrate themselves into society. There is arguably nothing nobler than risking your life for your country, which is why it is our collective duty to help promote and improve veteran services.