Who We Are & What We Do - Veterans Action Foundation

Number of veterans in Nevada as of 2020 is 211,114, which is approximately 9% of the state’s population (according to https://247wallst.com).
8% percent of those Nevada veterans live in poverty and 674 are homeless.
Nevada ranks number 10 with the highest veteran population, ranks number 1 with the highest number of homeless veterans and ranks 3 rd with the percentage of veterans living in poverty.
The majority of veterans live in southern Nevada.

The mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 730 is to support all veterans, their families, and survivors. The Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 730 is a 501(c)(19), which according to the IRS, is basically the same as a 501(c)(3). However, most companies/corporations will only donate to a 501(c)(3). Hence, we just created the Veterans Action Foundation, a 501(c)(3), which will act as the fundraising arm of the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 730 and other 501(c)(19) organizations.
The Veterans Action Foundation (VAF) mission is to take affirmative action(s) that assists organizations that support veterans to build strong, lasting, and respectful partnerships with community/business leaders, other organizations, and government departments for the benefit of veterans. Also, to finds ways to provide food, shelter, clothing, furniture, transportation, obtain benefits, healthcare, service dogs, suicide prevention awareness, and other essentials as appropriate for veterans’ needs.
The Veterans Action Foundation’s motto is “No Veteran Left Behind.”

I. Homeless Veterans

Relocate veterans to safer, cleaner, affordable housing
Collaborate with partners on medical treatment, dependency counseling, and job opportunities
Partner with private sector companies, VA, and other nonprofits
Identify and coordinate with possible sponsors
Plan and execute fundraising events

II. Veteran Suicide Awareness and Prevention

III. Veterans Center Project – Las Vegas

Establish a “one stop” veterans center that offers multiple veteran services
Identify sponsors and partners
Prepare initial and annual operating costs
Identify and collaborate with veteran services providers for medical care/screening/treatment, VA benefit assistance, job/educational opportunities, mental health (PTSD)/addiction/family counseling, and the neurodiversity of veterans
Develop floorplan layout and uses
Adjust project plan as appropriate

IV. Provide Support/Assistance to Less Fortunate Veterans and Military Members

Many veteran organizations speak of supporting veterans but due to various reasons, few turn those words into actionable events for veterans. That is not speaking negatively, just factually. “Well done is better than well said.” This quote by Benjamin Franklin reminds us of the importance of action over words. Unfortunately, when it comes to addressing the needs of our less fortunate veterans some continue to choose speeches over solutions.
The Veterans Action Foundation wants to be a force multiplier to work with veteran organizations to turn words into action to benefit veterans. We do not want to recreate the wheel, but only to make sure the wheel is turning in the right direction.
Example: The Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery sent out a request for help with grounds keeping. The Veterans Action Foundation, in conjunction with the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 730, found two organizations that fulfilled the request.