Military service is by definition a transient lifestyle for all involved. Approximately one-third of the military in the Washington, DC and Baltimore regions rotates its duty station each year. These moves often take troops and families far away from the natural support system extended family offers. The uncertain economy over the past five years, multiple deployments, the high cost of living in the DC region and injuries from war have created ample opportunity for our service members and their families to find themselves in need of emergency assistance in financial, emotional and food related ways. The USO is always by their side to help them when those unexpected needs arise.
The Facts:
1. 39% of military families identified financial setback as a top issue last year during a USO-Metro needs assessment.
2. Use of USO-Metro food pantries has increased 45% in the last five years.
3. The number of service members using the Supermarket Sweeps assistance program has tripled since its 2010 inception. So much so that we expanded the program from Fort Belvoir to Fort Meade in 2013.
4. 79% of military families felt that helping families of the fallen should be a top priority.
Why is USO-Metro poised to make a difference here?
Our long standing presence and reputation in the military community as a trusted partner allows USO-Metro to act as a bridge between official military services and community resources. Programming that is not only reactive, but proactive ensures that assistance reaches those who need it the most and in expedient ways. USO-Metro's programs also are made available to service members anonymously and without having to involve senior military leadership. This leads to comfort and trust with service members who might fear that their situation could inadvertently affect their military service.
