This Veterans Day, 211 Highlights the Power of Community in Supporting Local Veterans

As the community prepares to honor the men and women who have served our country this Veterans Day, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast is highlighting an important reminder: supporting veterans is a community effort, and sometimes a simple conversation or referral can make all the difference.

During the last fiscal year, 211 assisted nearly 3,000 veterans throughout Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties, connecting them with emotional support, benefits assistance and community resources. The data also underscores the important role personal connections play in helping veterans find support. Of the 785 veterans who reported being referred to 211, 40% (314 veterans) said a friend had referred them.

These connections demonstrate how friends, family members and neighbors can help veterans take the first step toward finding assistance. And once veterans connect with 211, the relationship can continue: Approximately 500 veterans who contacted the organization last fiscal year were repeat callers, reinforcing the value of having a trusted resource available when new challenges arise.

“Supporting our veterans doesn't end with thanking them for their service on Veterans Day. It means looking out for them throughout the year and helping them connect with the support they may need throughout their lives,” said Ty Barnes, president and CEO of 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. “Our data shows that personal connections matter. A friend who shares our number or encourages a veteran to reach out can help open the door to meaningful support. We all have a role to play in making sure veterans in our community know they are not alone.”

The Power of a Community Connection

For veterans and their families, the transition from military to civilian life—and the challenges that can arise at any stage of life—may involve concerns related to employment, housing, finances, health care, relationships or emotional well-being. Knowing where to turn for assistance is not always easy.

Through its MYFLVET program, 211 connects veterans with peer-to-peer emotional support, VA-funded programs and services, and a wide range of other local resources available to veterans. Its searchable Veterans Resource Guide includes information about health care, mental health and counseling, housing, employment, education, financial assistance, transportation, legal services and family support.

Friends, relatives, coworkers and neighbors can help by sharing 211's contact information with veterans who may benefit from assistance. A conversation, a phone number or an offer to help someone make that first call can be a meaningful step toward connecting them with the right resources.

211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast also participates in Florida's statewide veterans support program in partnership with the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Veterans can call the Florida Veterans Support Line at 1-844-MYFLVET (1-844-693-5838) or dial 2-1-1 to receive emotional support and connections to VA and community resources.

“Sometimes people don't know where to begin, or they may be more comfortable reaching out after someone they trust encourages them to do so,” Barnes added. “We want our community to know that sharing 211's information is one simple way to pay it forward. Whether someone needs help today or down the road, we want them to know there is a place they can turn.”

211's services are free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Veterans, active-duty military personnel, former service members and their families can call 2-1-1 for personalized assistance or 1-844-MYFLVET (1-844-693-5838) to reach the Florida Veterans Support Line.

This Veterans Day, 211 encourages everyone to do more than express gratitude: Help strengthen the network of support around local veterans by sharing available resources and reminding those who have served that they do not have to navigate life's challenges alone.

To connect a veteran with support, call 2-1-1 or 1-844-MYFLVET (1-844-693-5838).

About 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast

211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast’s mission is to save and improve lives through crisis intervention and by connecting people to health, mental health, and wellness services 24/7. As the region’s frontline responder for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 211 also connects callers to more than 1,600 local agencies offering food assistance, mental health care, elder support, special needs services, and veterans programs. To learn more, visit 211pbtc.org