FAQ

What is VAlanthropy?

VAlanthropy (philanthropy for veterans) is a compassionate organization committed to changing the lives of our nation’s heroes, low to very-low-income US military service veterans facing homelessness. A 501(c) (3) nonprofit, VAlanthropy was founded in April 2021 when two South Carolina businessmen came together to brainstorm solutions to the crisis of homeless veterans. The program aims to assist veterans in securing permanent housing while providing them with case management and support. Eligible participants must be veterans or veteran families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and registered in the Veterans Administration Case management program.

When and how did VAlanthropy start?

Fred Altman organized the company in 2021. In 2022, Tom Lash and Ben Marich were brought in as Directors along with Fred. Valanthropy researched various housing approaches for homeless veterans, including emergency and temporary housing, and ultimately settled on permanent supportive housing —a proven model —for their program. In 2024, Fred Altman designed a 12-unit apartment building using a modular approach to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless and near-homeless veterans.

What are VAlanthrophy’s Mission and Vision?

VISION: VAlanthropy helps provide permanent housing for homeless and near-homeless veterans. Our vision is to positively impact communities with the greatest need for permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans.

MISSION: In partnership with individuals, businesses, foundations, churches, and government agencies, VAlanthropy provides affordable, desirable, permanent housing to low-income veterans of the US military services who are homeless or facing homelessness.

What is the difference between VAlanthropy and other veteran organizations?

VAlanthropy is a small community-based organization that can quickly develop, adapt, and implement housing solution plans in a brief period. For example, one significant difference between VAlanthropy and traditional VA housing services and other veteran charities is the rate at which we can create modular apartment housing inventory and implement a vetting process to ensure potential veteran renters meet criteria for placement. The ability to function efficiently and effectively sets us apart from large organizations, which often must navigate complex red tape when assisting veterans and may be top-heavy in salaries and unnecessary expenses. However, we cannot accomplish this work without the support of our community, local and county governments, state agencies, the Veterans Administration, and our organizational and governmental partners.

Do the Directors receive any compensation?

No, they do not. Unlike many organizations that are top-heavy with exorbitant salaries and expenses, Valanthropy currently has no paid employees. We are incredibly blessed and grateful for our volunteers.

What is the Future Vision?

We are currently considering locations for upcoming projects. Before we purchase the land, it must be reviewed for wetland exposure, noise studies, environmental impact studies, and many other factors. We will be within a five-mile radius of a Veterans Administration hospital or clinic that can provide veterans with benefits such as physical and mental health care.

How can you help?

The three T’s sum up how you can help VAlanthropy:

• Time: Donors and volunteers are crucial to our vision and progress in changing the lives of those most deserving. We did not leave our brothers and sisters behind on the battlefield; we will not leave them behind now.
• Talent: What is your area of influence? What do you do well? Where is your heart? What skills or gifts can you offer?
• Treasure: There are several financial giving options and volunteering options:
  • Direct Donations
  • Gifting through your will or estate planning
  • Land
  • Vehicles
  • Goods or services
  • Stocks

All donations of any of the above are tax-deductible under federal non-profit guidelines.

Please review our website, ask questions, and contact management with any concerns you may have at info@VAlanthropy.org. We want you to understand our true mission and be transparent in every way.

Reach out to your contacts. Let everyone in your network or contact list know you are entering a new chapter of your life by helping homeless and near-homeless veterans and helping provide trained service dogs to disabled veterans at no charge to them through the PAWS2HEROES program.

What is the PAWS2HEROES Program?

In early 2025, VAlanthropy started PAWS2HEROES to support our disabled veterans. We provide extensively trained service dogs and gift them to deserving veterans. These exceptional animals provide essential assistance and emotional support during distressing moments. Each service dog undergoes months of rigorous training to meet our high standards before being matched with a veteran in need. More than companions, these dogs empower veterans to regain independence, confidently navigate daily life, and reconnect with their communities. Through this life-changing partnership, our veterans can move forward with self-reliance and pride, knowing they have a loyal and capable service dog.

Where does VAlanthropy’s funding come from?

Individuals, Churches, Businesses, Grants, Board Members, Volunteers, and you.

Please help us help deserving veterans.

Donations are tax Exempt

Donate Today

VAlanthropy is a tax-exempt nonprofit formed and authorized under section 501 (c) (3) of Title 26 of the U.S. Federal Tax Code.

Contact Us:
housinghomelessveterans.org
Info@valanthropy.org