The National Association of Minority Veterans of America was founded out of a need for greater equity, access and inclusion for Veterans of color and women Veterans. To this end, we work to keep our members informed, educated and engaged on important issues and legislation that may affect their quality of life and the condition of their communities.
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America has a number of programs aimed at supporting Veterans, their family members and on improving the communities in which they live. Our programs include the VA Benefits Center, which works to connect Veterans to the services and businesses they need. We also have a housing program that works to connect veterans to housing opportunities. To learn more about NAMVETS programs, click on the button below.
The NAMVETS VA Benefits Center works to inform, educate and support Veterans applying for disability claims with the Veterans Administration. The process for applying for disability benefits can be arduous and complex. Our center aims to connect veterans to the information and support they need to move their claim forward through the claims process. To learn more, click on the button below.
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America’s award-winning Housing First program is a leading resource for Veterans seeking to purchase a home, developers of veterans housing and older Veterans in need of home-maintenance or repair services. Also, the Housing First program works with our partners to connect Veterans and their family members to temporary and supportive housing. If interested in learning more, click the button below.
The NAMVETS of America Housing First program connects America's Veterans to quality and affordable housing.
NAMVETS of America’s VETCONNECTS Employment Hub is leading Veterans employment resource that connects Veterans to employers, and employers to Veterans of color and women color to employment opportunities. VETCONNECTS provides job seekers and employers connection via webinars, job referrals, job fairs and other connection options. If you are a Veteran seeking employment or an employer looking to hire Veterans, contact us today!
If you’re a Veteran in a mental health crisis and you’re thinking about hurting yourself—or you know a Veteran who’s considering this—get help right away. You’re not alone.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
You can also:
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America recognizes the need to support the aging Veteran population. Our focus is on providing assistance and support to older adults and their family members as older adults transition into different stages of life. If you know of an older Veteran in need of support, contact the NAMVETS hotline at 1-866-NAM-VETS!
NAMVETS of America’s Housing First program works with our partners to address Veterans homelessness in communities across America. NAMVETS of America works with our local partners, the Veteran Administration, temporary and supportive housing partners and other providers of Veterans services. To learn more, click here.
VA housing assistance can help Veterans, service members, and their surviving spouses to buy a home or refinance a loan. We also offer benefits and services to help you build, improve, or keep your current home. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans housing assistance benefits you’ve earned.
Veterans can sometimes run into issues with law enforcement and the criminal justice system resulting in incarceration. It is important justice-involved Veterans are familiar with VA benefits including what VA benefits they may still eligible to receive, what happens to the VA benefits they are already receiving if they become incarcerated, and what programs are available to assist them with reintegrating back into the community once released from incarceration.
The VA offers programs for Veterans with mental health concerns who are in the justice system. The goal is to help Veterans get treatment for their mental health problems. If possible, these programs try to keep Veterans out of jail or prison to get the help they need. Learn how VA’s Veterans Justice Programs can support you.
NAMVETS of America supports chapters in communities across the united States and its territories. Chapters are critical to reaching Veterans at the local level by providing services, programs and support to Veterans and their family members. Chapters are led by Chapter Commanders, local leaders who are deeply committed to supporting local Veterans. If you are interested in starting a Chapter, contact us today!
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America is a leadership-based organization. Our members are empowered to inspire others toward a shared vision of a Veteran community that supports Veterans. NAMVETS commanders lead the way by managing Regional, state and chapter commands. If you are interested in joining NAMVETS and being part of our leadership team, contact us today!
The NAMVETS of America Leadership Academy provides leadership development support to NAMVETS Commanders and other leaders in the organization. Leadership training is required and essential for members seeking to be designated, appointed or voted to a leadership position within the organization.
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America Community First program is one of the leading veteran-led community development organizations in the United States. Community Development efforts are led by our chapters and posts, and impact housing, employment, incarceration, business development and veterans services.
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America works to keep our members, the broader Veteran community and Veteran community stakeholders informed and engaged in the issues that matter to Veterans.
The 2024 NAMVETS of America National Convention is expected to be a highly informing and engaging event for members, the veteran community and the community at large.
NAMVETS of America’s Vetworking Events are organized in local communities by NAMVETS Chapters or Posts to build stronger connections between local Veterans and between Veterans and the broader community. Vetworking Events promotse camaraderie among local Veterans. First started in Maryland by NAMVETS of America Commander Xavier Bruce (Commander X), Vetworking Events has spread to all five regions in the United States.
VetWorking Events is an opportunity for local Veterans to get connected to each other and new opportunities.
NAMVETS of America hosts webinars and seminars on a broad range of subject matters, including; VetConnect Webinars that connect Minority and women Veterans to employment opportunities, Housing First Webinars that provide important information on housing opportunities, and VA Benefits webinars on accessing VA benefits for Veterans and their family members.
NAMVETS of America Webinars provide valuable information to Veterans.
NAMVETS Chapter meetings are a vehicle to organize local Veterans and volunteers around strategies to serve local Veterans and positively impact local communities. Chapter meetings are organized by Chapter Commanders and attended by Chapter members and other local stakeholders.
Veterans working together to make an impact on local communities.
Chairman William Sims standing next to a statue of himself as a Point Man in Vietnam (Milwaukee County War Memorial).
The To The Point e-newsletter is an update by Chairman William Sims, a Vietnam War Combat Veteran and Point Man of the 101st Airbourne Division. To The Point reflects his thoughts on the role of NAMVETS of America and how we can better serve our Veterans. The Newsletter is emailed to members once a month. To receive the To The Point e-newsletter just signup for the newsletter or join NAMVETS of America.
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America is a leading source of information, education, support and advocacy for 5.5 million Veterans of Color. We are an organization that welcomes and celebrates diversity in the military and in the community the Veteran community. At the core of our mission is to ensure that all Veterans, – regardless of ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender – have equal access to VA benefits and services. So, join NAMVETS of America and lets work together to serve America’s Veterans!
As a member of NAMVETS of America, you will add your voice to the voices of 5.5 million other Veterans of color to address the issues important to you. And what does it mean to have a voice – and to be heard? It means greater access to VA services and benefits! It means having the support to make a positive impact on your community! It means working with other Veterans and friends and family of Veterans to make a difference!
Veteran Members are Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Membership can be for one year or a lifetime. Veteran Members are eligible for leadership positions.
Non-Veteran Member is anyone who is not a Veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Non-members are eligible to be members of Chapters and to be volunteers.
Partner Members are organizations that have partnered with NAMVETS of America on a program, service, initiative or other activity that serves Veterans.
No. The member has the option of making membership renewal automatic.
Yes, members have the option of joining as Lifetime members.
No. There are no refunds given.
Yes, if there is a Chapter you want to join you can select the chapter in the registration process.
Yes, if the military allows it. Active Military membership is free.
Yes, just sign them up on mynamvets.org.
No. The National Association of Minority Veterans of America is deeply committed to diversity and encourages all people – Veterans or non-veterans to apply. We move forward, together!
NAMVETS of America is a leading voice for 5.5 million Veterans of the US Armed Forces. NAMVETS was created out of a need to address the disparity of services accessible to Black WWII Veterans, Korean War Veterans and Vietnam Veterans compared to the Veteran community in general. Today we the most diverse Veterans Service Organization in America, speaking with one voice on the need for equitable and greater access to the services and benefits available to all Veterans.
Mission: Empower Veterans of Color and women Veterans to improve their quality of life, support the Veteran community in general, and improve the condition of the communities in which they live.
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America is a leading Veterans Service Organization founded on the principle that all Veterans matter – regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Our programs and services aim to provide all veterans, particularly America’s 5.5 million Veterans of color, with greater access to the resources, services and benefits that they have been historically unable to fully access; this is especially the case for VA disability claims, employment resources, access to decent and affordable housing and other resources and benefits.
William Sims, a Vietnam War Combat Veteran and a co-founder of NAMVETS of America, often says that we are and must continue to be “an organization of doers!” As a point man in Vietnam, talk was cheap to Mr. Sims. He stresses the need to less talk and more action, and action is what NAMVETS – its members, its Commanders, its Chapter leaders and its leadership are all about. If you are all about taking action, please become a member and join us in getting things done!
The National Association of Minority Veterans of America greatly appreciates your donation to support the programs and services of NAMVETS of America. NAMVETS of America is a 501(c)(3), so your donation is tax-deductible.
by Damon M. Dorsey, Executive Director
