Our new virtual world has made it crucial to keep veterans connected to resources they count on, like access to VA benefits and health services. This connection is especially important for our veterans who are members of transitional housing programs, like those operated by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA). “Connecting veterans to their earned benefits is only possible if the tools to make those connections are in place,” said Alfie Alvarado-Ramos, director of the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs.
As a leading provider of internet service in Washington, our company plays an important role in helping people stay connected to critical online services, and upon learning of this need from our partners at the WDVA, we wanted to do our part. So as a part of our Internet Essentials program, we are providing a $10,000 contribution and donating 15 donated laptops to support WDVA’s Veterans Transitional Housing Programs in Orting and Port Orchard, Washington.
Veterans enrolled in these transitional housing programs are surrounded with supportive staff and wrap-around services designed to lead to their successful completion of the program and a successful return to the community. The programs focus on increasing residential stability of participants, providing greater self-determination of participants and elevating the skill level and income potential of participants. Veterans in the programs work in collaboration with case managers to create individualized case plans.
Our contribution will help keep the transitional housing program participants connected to online resources, such as earned veterans’ benefits, and medical and mental health services. This donation will also help veterans apply for jobs and connect to employment opportunities online as they transition back into the workforce. In addition, case managers will use the donated laptops in the field as they identify and work with local veterans who may benefit from WDVA’s transitional housing program.
“We are incredibly grateful to Comcast for their commitment to veterans across the state, but particularly for those in our Transitional Housing Program,” added Ramos. “This donation will help veterans connect to telehealth appointments, employment, education and eventually it will help them with their search for housing as they move back into the community. WDVA is honored that Comcast selected the transitional housing program as the recipient of this donation which highlights their ongoing commitment to supporting veterans in Washington state.”
Our commitment to digital equity this year has been incredibly strong, most notable with our offer of two free months of Internet Essentials for all new low-income veterans and their families In 2018, Comcast expanded its Internet Essentials broadband adoption program to reach an estimated 1 million low-income veterans living in the company’s service area around the country. Internet Essentials is the largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program for low-income individuals and families in the U.S. This year, Comcast was recognized as the top employer for veterans by Military Times in its Best for Vets: Employers 2020 list for its ongoing commitment to creating a military-friendly and military-ready environment for our employees.
About Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs
The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs helps connect veterans and their family members to the benefits and services they earned through their military service. WDVA offers long-term care in four State Veteran Homes (the Washington Soldiers Home, the Washington Veterans Home, the Spokane Veterans Home, and the Walla Walla Veterans Home) for honorably discharged veterans, and in some cases, their spouses. The Veterans Services and Counseling and Wellness Divisions provide claims assistance as well as counseling services for veterans and their family members. And our State Veterans Cemetery honors veterans in their final resting place. We invite you to explore our website, email us or call 1-800-562-2308 so that we can connect you and your family members to the benefits you’ve earned.
