United Way’s YPS Members Embrace Program for Vets

Military veterans have devoted years of their lives to serving our country and protecting our freedom. So, if they should fall on hard times in civilian life, it’s only fitting that we should give them a hand up. That’s what Priority Veteran, a program of United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), is all about.

One of UWCA’s donor networks, the Young Philanthropists Society (YPS), recently had a chance to learn about the impact of Priority Veteran at an event held at Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED. Since YPS members are young professionals who are passionate about making a difference in our community, they thrive on opportunities such as this to engage in learning, volunteering and networking to address local needs.

In this case, the need was homelessness. The Priority Veteran program is supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and is specifically dedicated to helping military veterans and their families who are homeless or at immediate risk of losing their homes. The goal is always to sustainably re-house the individual or family as soon as possible and to help resolve the issues, through case management, that led to the crisis to begin with.

A Deeper Understanding of Veteran Homelessness

The event featured Lula Skowronek, Director of Veteran Care for Priority Veteran, who shared insights into the challenges veterans face. She explained that veterans are at a significantly higher risk of homelessness compared to the general population, due to a range of complex factors, including PTSD, traumatic brain injuries and difficulties in re-adjusting to civilian life.

“Many veterans enlist straight from their parents’ homes, where everything is taken care of for them,” Skowronek 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.”

In addition to these practical challenges, Skowronek highlighted the cultural barriers 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.”

Welcoming Veterans Back into Their Own Homes

The event at Coca-Cola wasn’t just about raising awareness; it also offered an opportunity for YPS members to take action. They rolled up their sleeves and assembled “Welcome Home” kits for newly housed veterans. The kits, which included hygiene products, cleaning supplies and handwritten thank-you cards, help veterans and their families settle into their new homes. It’s a simple, yet meaningful gesture that reflects the spirit of service at the core of the Priority Veteran program. Assembling the kits gave our young philanthropists a chance to experience the reward of knowing they were helping someone in need.

The importance of supporting veterans was not lost on YPS member Nick Gaxiola. “It’s vital to pause and show our appreciation for the veterans who have made extraordinary sacrifices to protect the freedoms we all enjoy,” he said.

YPS Engages Young Professionals for Lasting Change

YPS members are not only philanthropists but also hands-on advocates for lasting change. While they contribute financially, they also participate in volunteer projects and learning opportunities that deepen their understanding of local needs. Through these efforts, YPS members actively help shape solutions to people’s challenges right here in our own community, as demonstrated at the Priority Veteran event.

To learn more about UWCA’s impact on homeless prevention and housing, click here.