While Veterans Day is officially observed on November 11th, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) honors – and serves — veterans year-round through its Priority Veteran program. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the program is dedicated to helping military veterans and their families who are homeless or at immediate risk of losing their homes. Recently, the program expanded its reach into Florida, continuing its mission to support those who have served our country.
A recent event at Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED offered members of UWCA’s Young Philanthropists Society (YPS) the opportunity to see Priority Veteran’s impact firsthand. During the event, YPS members heard from program director Lula Skowronek, who shared insights into the challenges faced by veterans in need.
Skowronek explained that veterans are at a significantly higher risk of homelessness compared to the general population, citing complex factors such as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and struggles with re-adjusting to civilian life. “Many veterans enlist straight from their parents’ homes, where everything is taken care of for them,” she said. “The military provides structure and training, but when they return to civilian life, they often find it difficult to manage skills like budgeting or securing housing.”
She also touched on the cultural challenges veterans face when seeking assistance. “In the military, veterans are trained to be helpers — the ones who take care of others,” she said. “That mindset can make it hard for them to ask for help [for themselves]. Often, they wait until they are in crisis before reaching out.”
The event not only raised awareness but also gave attendees an opportunity to take action. YPS members assembled “welcome home” kits filled with hygiene products, cleaning supplies and handwritten thank-you cards, which will be distributed to newly housed veterans. These simple, thoughtful gestures are designed to help veterans and their families settle into their new homes and start fresh, reflecting the program’s spirit of service.
Nick Gaxiola, a YPS member, spoke to the importance of supporting veterans, especially Veterans Day itself. “This Veterans Day, it’s vital to pause and show our appreciation for the veterans who have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect the freedoms we all enjoy.”
Since its inception a decade ago, UWCA’s Priority Veteran program has assisted nearly 4,000 veterans, contributing to a 40% reduction in veteran homelessness in Alabama. Among those who complete the multi-faceted program, which includes financial coaching assistance with job readiness and help applying for veteran benefits, 87% remain permanently housed one year later.
The success of UWCA’s program in Alabama has led to an exciting expansion into the Florida Panhandle, covering Okaloosa, Escambia, Santa Rosa and Walton counties, with a new office opening in Pensacola and plans to support more than 1,000 veterans in the coming year. Nearly half of those are expected to come from the newly added Florida counties.
Karla Lawrence, Senior Vice President of Community Initiatives at UWCA, is understandably excited about the program’s growth. “Our number one priority is to ensure that those who served in our military have stable housing and the necessary resources to maintain long-term,” she said. “We are honored to serve even more of our veterans through the Florida expansion.”
As the Priority Veteran program continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission: to provide veterans with the support and resources they need to succeed. Whether through direct housing assistance or community-driven initiatives such as the recent YPS event, these efforts are making a lasting impact on the lives of veterans.
To learn more about Priority Veteran, click here.