Legion Family continues to collect donations of supplies to help those affected; NEF grants available to those in natural disaster areas.
The American Legion Family continues to show its support for those still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Florida
• Legion Family from across Department of Florida District 13 participated in a clean-up of Post 123 in Sanibel on Oct. 15.
• Legion Family from Post 285 in Edgewater shared on Facebook that the post served as shelter for 25-30 people during Hurricane Milton.
Maryland
Post 18 in Centreville is collecting donations of supplies through the end of October, with plans to deliver the next set of supplies on Oct. 22.
West Virginia
Post 23 in Point Pleasant was collecting donations through Oct. 17 with an emphasis on supporting Legion Family in and around Elizabethton, Tenn., where Helene’s heavy rains deluged the area.
Wisconsin
Post 38 in Appleton is collecting donations of supplies through Oct. 19.
VA facilities continue recovery
The Department of Veterans Affairs provided updates on their facilities in the areas impacted by the hurricanes.
Recovery efforts continue with the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, with emergency department operations expected to return after additional water testing. Outpatient services and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) resumed operations Oct. 15.
In the Tampa VA Healthcare System, the Zephyrhills CBOC remains closed after flooding caused by Hurricane Milton.
In Asheville, N.C., outpatient clinics continue to expand their service offerings in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
The Spartanburg, S.C., CBOC will need to be partially demolished and requires significant repairs from flooding caused by Helene.
National Emergency Fund
If you’ve been impacted by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for assistance.
The American Legion National Emergency Fund (NEF) provides up to $3,000 for qualified Legionnaires or Sons of The American Legion, and up to $10,000 for qualified American Legion posts which have been affected by declared natural disasters.
To be eligible for an individual grant, the Legionnaire or Son:
1. Must have been displaced from their primary residence due to damage sustained during a declared natural disaster.
2. Must provide copies of receipts of items required to meet immediate needs, such as housing, food, water, clothing, etc., during the period immediately following the disaster.
3. Must be an active member at the time of the disaster and the time of application.
The American Legion has created a presentation which discusses details on the NEF grant, including what the NEF covers and does not cover and how to complete the NEF application. Click here to view that presentation. And click here for NEF brochures and a preparation guide.
Temporary Financial Assistance
Since its establishment in 1925, The American Legion Temporary Financial Assistance (TFA) program has awarded cash grants to minor children of current active duty or American Legion members. These grants help families in need meet the cost of shelter, food, utilities and health expenses, thereby keeping the child or children in a more stable environment.
The minor child must be under the age of 18 and still in high school; however, TFA may be extended until the completion of high school provided the child has not reached the age of 21. The minor child must be the biological child, stepchild, or in the legal custody of, a qualifying veteran. A qualifying veteran is defined as a member of the United States Armed Forces serving on federal orders current under Title 10 of the United States Code, inclusive of all components, OR any veteran possessing an up-to-date membership in The American Legion. Active-duty applicants can be considered without being a member of The American Legion. A single onetime non-repayable Temporary Financial Assistance grant of up to $1,500 will be permitted for the minor child(ren) of a qualifying veteran.
No child is considered eligible for Temporary Financial Assistance until a complete investigation is conducted at the post or department level, a legitimate family need is determined, and all other available assistance resources have been utilized or exhausted. Additionally, the TFA application must originate and be filled out by someone at the local level.
To apply for a TFA grant, contact your local American Legion post or department (state) headquarters.
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