America Helping Heroes

America Helping Heroes is a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to the well-being of our post 9/11 combat troops.

Founded in late 2008 by author/musician Angela Alegna, America Helping Heroes is in the community to ensure that no returning military member is neglected and left to deal with the obstacles of life after war alone.


                                 AIMS

Abolish the homeless population of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans by the end of 2012.

At present there are nearly 3000 displaced post 9/11 veterans.  This number is not inclusive of those living with their friends or relatives, or living on the streets away from the shelter system. 

While some Vietnam veterans became homeless within 5 - 10 years, our current generation is taking fewer than 18 months.

Lower the high rate of suicide among veterans to where it is on par with the national average.

Currently the suicide rate among veterans is 2 to 4 times higher than the national average with over 50 men and women a day attempting to take their own lives and 18 succeeding. 

To get a mandatory counseling bill passed whereby all returning combat troops receive counseling regardless of rank, gender, or experience in theater.

Mandatory counseling would go a long way to ensure that the unseen wounds of war are detected and treated early on without fear of stigma.  This would serve to protect our combat troops from the side effects of PTSD and depression and reduce the high rate of suicide among active and inactive military members.

Raise awareness of what coming home can really mean for our returning troops and bring to light the fourth process of war -- reintegration.

Involve every community with its local heroes.

Homelessness, unemployment, psychological fallout, and unnecessary physical suffering among returning troops are a direct result of neglect.  With the involvement of the community, these potential problems can be prevented.