Government Shutdown Assistance

The government shutdown is impacting Florida’s active duty military members. It could also potentially affect the veteran community who are employed through the Department of Homeland Security or rely on government funded programs (i.e. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or Housing and Urban Development- VA Supportive Housing). In fact, Florida ranks number #1 in veterans utilizing government funded food assistance programs.

The American Legion and PROJECT: VetRelief are ready to support those who are affected by the government shutdown. Both resources are established programs that support our service members during an emergency.

The American Legion National Headquarters and PROJECT: VetRelief, a program of The American Legion, Department of Florida, will be see a substantial increase in the number of applications requesting assistance over the next few weeks.

We are committed to doing what we can to support Florida’s active duty military members, veterans, and their families, but resources are limited. The Coast Guard’s single pay cycle alone is approximately $150 million dollars, according to the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance website. Since both programs are privately funded, they are not capable of providing that amount of funding.

HOW TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE –  updated guidelines effective 1/15/19

Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Program
Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Program 

The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program allows assistance to children of active duty service members, regardless of whether a service member has membership in The American Legion. This abbreviated application process is just for the duration of the government shutdown.

Requirement: USCG member must have dependent children within the home.

Please send the application, memorandum signed by Command Officer, LES, children birth certificates, and bills requested to: aid@legionmail.org or by fax (407) 299-0901.

Download Application (PDF)

Download Memorandum (.DOC) 

PROJECT: VetRelief (PVR)
PROJECT: VetRelief (PVR)

  • Support is available for active duty military, our veterans and their families
  • Service members must be classified as having an honorable discharge or honorable separation, or general under honorable conditions.
  • Applicants must show income sustainability.
  • Must be a Florida resident for at least 120 days.
  • Membership in The American Legion is NOT required to receive assistance.
  • Currently, funding can only be provided to offset necessities for shelter, food, utilities, and some emergency transportation, and critical health expenses.

Please send the application, service orders or proof of affected government position, and bills requested to: aid@legionmail.org or by fax (407) 299-0901.

Download Application (PDF) 

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Program
Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) Program
TFA grants are made possible through donations to The American Legion Veterans and Children Foundation. The foundation supports veterans and military families in need, as well as American Legion service officers who provide free VA benefits and health care assistance to veterans.

Donate Now

Mail to National Headquarters:
The American Legion
Donation Processing
PO Box 361623
Indianapolis, IN 46236-1626

For more information Call 1-800-433-3318.

PROJECT: VetRelief (PVR)
PROJECT: VetRelief (PVR)PROJECT: VetRelief is a 501(c)(3) program of The American Legion, Department of Florida, which provides one-time financial relief to qualified applicants for cost of necessities, such as: food, shelter, utilities, some emergency medical needs, emergency transportation needs.

Donate Now

Make checks payable to PROJECT: VetRelief.
Mail Donations to:
PROJECT: VetRelief
1912 A Lee Rd
Orlando, FL 32810