Veteran homelessness has been slowing incrementally in recent years, with an estimated 55.6% decrease since 2010. However, the 2024 Point-in-Time count, which determines the number of Americans without safe and stable housing on a given night in January, found that 32,882 veterans still experienced homelessness this year. To help these heroes who have sacrificed so much, we’re distributing packs with essentials ahead of the winter. You can help.

Thanks to your clicks, shopping for a cause, and direct donations, we’ve long worked with our partner Greater Good Charities to get Good Packs into the hands of veterans in need. Most recently, they were distributed at two November 2024 events: Miami Gardens Operation Veterans Stand Down and the West Palm Beach VA annual Service Dog Awareness Event. We’ve worked with the West Palm Beach VA before, and we also passed out more than 300 Good Packs and supplemental pet packs at the Stand Down event last year.

We’ve also recently been trying to address the damage inflicted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, by bringing Good Packs, as well as hygiene products and pet food, to the local VA in Asheville. The community has experienced among the worst impacts of Helene, with many homes damaged and destroyed, which has only worsened housing security issues.

According to the Point in Time count, more than 19,000 veterans have experienced sheltered homelessness this year, which means they are making use of places like shelters or transitional housing. However, nearly 14,000 are dealing with unsheltered homelessness, meaning they may be sleeping in cars, parks, abandoned buildings, or on the street. Many may find themselves in the second group because they have pets and can’t find pet-friendly shelters.

This GivingTuesday, our goal is to distribute more Good Packs in areas with high veteran poverty levels. The packs include toiletries, a reusable water bottle, socks and other clean clothes, and a blanket to guard against the cold and provide some comfort.

We also distribute pet packs for those with beloved animal companions. Those include a collapsible bowl, a slip lead leash, a pet toy for enrichment, and pet food and treats.

With your help, veterans across the country have benefitted from these packs and the comfort they provide. To continue to show your support for veterans in need, and their pets, click below!