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Website

www.texvet.org

What is your idea to address an unmet need of service members, veterans and their families?

Enable volunteers to locate and provide feedback on resources, people, and events that are close to them to assist Veterans and families needing services.

What specific population do you plan to work with? What is their unmet need?

The Veteran population of Texas but specifically those in crisis or needing a shoulder to lean on, a voice to whisper encouragement, or a strong will to get them back on their feet. They have a variety of unmet needs and usually there is a universe of symptoms and needs that interact. PTS breeds addiction leads to joblessness leads to homelessness. The unmet need is locating and selecting the best resource to address their situation. There are many websites, resource guides, and organizations wishing to help Veterans but the ensuing confusion becomes an obstacle to navigation. The Veteran in need is less able to navigate this jumble and it becomes an obstacle to assistance rather than a means.

What is your implementation plan, and how would the $1,000 be used?

Prepare materials, handouts, and marketing items to equip and educate the volunteer peer facilitators already trained and working in Texas so that they continue to use and improve the system.

How are volunteers the key ingredient to your solution?

The volunteers, trained in peer facilitation, serve as a guerrilla army, identifying and interacting with Veterans all over the state. They understand the language and concerns and many have shared the experiences of the Veterans they assist. Static websites and resource guides are no good to a person without Internet access or the wherewithal to access the information. By putting that information into the volunteer's hand and empowering them to guide the Veteran in need, it becomes a powerful force multiplier.

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