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Helping Heroes Act
3/21/2025, 4:38 AM
Summary of Bill S 701
The main goal of the Veteran Family Resource Program is to address the unique challenges and needs that the families of veterans may face. This could include issues such as mental health support, financial assistance, and access to educational and job training programs. By providing these resources, the program aims to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for both veterans and their families.
In addition to establishing the program, the bill also includes provisions for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to develop guidelines and criteria for eligibility, as well as to collaborate with other federal agencies and organizations to ensure that the program is effective and comprehensive. Overall, the Veteran Family Resource Program Act seeks to recognize and support the sacrifices and contributions of veterans and their families, by providing them with the resources and assistance they need to thrive.
Congressional Summary of S 701
Helping Heroes Act
This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish the Veteran Family Resource Program to address social determinants of health challenges experienced in veterans’ family units and ensure veterans and their families have access to services and resources to support wellness within the family units.
In implementing the program, the VA must (1) appoint at least one family coordinator in each Veterans Integrated Service Network (regional VA health care administrative areas), and (2) ensure adequate staffing and resources to ensure family coordinators are able to carry out their duties and functions. Under the bill, a family coordinator’s function is generally to serve at a VA medical center as a point person regarding VA and community resources for veterans, their families, and caregivers and survivors of veterans.
The VA may expand the program to additional medical centers as appropriate.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this bill, and not less frequently than once every five years after, the VA must survey disabled veterans and their families to identify and better understand their needs.
