Providing resources for struggling military members and vets

Posted by: Amanda Schreiber  | Monday, June 17, 2024

Indiana is deeply committed to supporting the brave men and women who have served or are currently serving in the military. The state offers a wide range of assistance programs, including housing support, legal aid and other essential services. Numerous organizations across Indiana are dedicated to providing the resources and help needed to ensure that veterans and active service members receive the care and opportunities they deserve. Whether it's finding a place to call home, navigating legal challenges, or accessing various other forms of support, Indiana stands ready to assist those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Military Assistance Project:
The Military Assistance Project provides struggling Hoosier veterans, military members and their families with free legal services. This program specializes in civil cases such as wills, guardianship, document preparation and more at www.indianalegalservices.org/map/.

Military Family Relief Fund:
Indiana's Military Family Relief Fund can help Hoosier veterans and their families with expenses related to housing, utilities, food, and medical and transportation costs. Eligibility requirements and the application can be found at www.in.gov/dva/about-idva/links/military-family-relief-fund/

County Veterans Service Offices:
County Veterans Service Offices work in partnership with the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and various veteran service organizations to connect veterans, military members and their families to benefits and assistance. To find an office near you, visit www.in.gov/dva/locate-your-cvso/

988 and the Veterans Crisis Line:
For 24/7, confidential crisis support, veterans or their loved ones can dial 988 then press one or send a text to 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Callers do not have to be enrolled in veteran benefits or health care to connect. Hoosiers can also visit veteranscrisisline.net and join a chat with a VA responder.

With the dedication of numerous organizations, Indiana continues to honor the sacrifices of its military community, providing them with the care, resources and opportunities. Please share these helpful resources with service members and veterans you know, so that we can increase awareness and provide help and hope to those who may be struggling. If you're a current or former member of the military and need help navigating state resources, please reach out to me by email at h54@iga.in.gov or call 317-232-9600.

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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click 
here to download a high-resolution photo.