Fisher House is a national nonprofit providing no-cost lodging for veteran families and caregivers while their loved one receives medical care.
“We often find Fisher House is the best kept secret in the veteran’s space.”
Kate Melcher is Fisher House Michigan’s executive director.
“We do outreach in all 83 counties of Michigan, and we meet people every week that have never heard of Fisher House.”
It’s launching the Just Ask public awareness campaign, letting military families and veterans know they might be eligible for a free stay at Fisher House.
“Ask their VA medical care team. Ask a veteran’s service officer. Just ask, because even if you don’t think you’re eligible, you just might be.”
The campaign addresses benefit gaps. According to the group, 76% of eligible Michigan veterans don’t utilize any of their earned benefits.
Melcher, a 15-year Army veteran who was never deployed, says many veterans feel they didn’t earn the right to benefits when other veterans did more.
“But the truth of the matter is all of us raised our right hand and we were willing to give our lives for this country. And if I claim my VA benefits, it doesn’t take it away from anybody else.”
Melcher hopes the campaign removes the stigma of veterans asking for help.
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