Frequently Asked Questions

What is Returning Veterans Project?

We support the healing and health of our Veterans and military communities by connecting Veterans, Service Members, and their Military Families with free, confidential mental and physical health services. Returning Veterans Project (RVP) clients use our online directory to access individualized care from a network of highly-qualified Volunteer Health Providers, without any fees or strings attached. Since our founding in 2005, we’ve been removing the barriers to mental and physical health services so that those we serve can have free, confidential access to the care they need.

Why does RVP exist?

We exist because Veterans, Service Members, and their Military Families face many challenges when accessing the mental and physical health services they need. Our program is designed to ensure that access to care, stigma of receiving support, and cost of services are never barriers for members of the Veteran and military-connected community.

Why aren't Veterans getting the care they need?

There are many reasons why Veterans and their Military Families aren’t getting the health services they need. Half of post-9/11 Veterans (the Veteran era with the highest need for mental health care) aren’t enrolled in Veterans Administration (VA) services. Many aren’t getting critical health care because they can’t find a provider they trust, or there are too many hurdles to jump. For many Veterans, access to the health services they need are blocked by issues like cost, stigma, and selflessness. You can read more about these barriers here > 

Is RVP part of the Veterans Affairs or other government services for veterans?

As an independent 501(c)3 non-profit, the Returning Veterans Project is not a part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or other government services for Veterans. However, we work closely with local VAs, Vet Centers, and other Veteran and military service organizations to support the needs of our local Veterans and military communities.

How is RVP working to make our communities more equitable?

The Returning Veterans Project is committed to making Oregon and Southwest Washington communities more equitable. We pledge that our organization will consider increased equity — both in terms of the veteran communities we serve and the missions of the organizations with whom we partner — as a primary goal and an essential component of our mission to advance community equity.

Read our full Diversity and Inclusion Statement.

Does RVP accept in-kind donations?

The Returning Veterans Project cannot accept in-kind donations on behalf of Veterans, Service Members, or their Military Families. This includes items such as clothing, furniture, or food.

Please check out other ways to help RVP or honor a Veteran or Service Member on our Wall of Honor.

If your company or foundation would like to make a positive difference, use the link to learn more!

Some features on the website aren't working for me - what should I do?

Certain features on the website - such as the Volunteer Provider directory and volunteer application - work best on Google Chrome. If you are using Internet Explorer and are having difficulty accessing the provider listings or volunteer application, please consider using a different web browser or call us at 503-954-2259 for further assistance.

If you are still experiencing technical difficulties with our website, please send us a note using our contact form and briefly describe the issue or give us a call.

Can you help me get directly connected to local veterans, service members, and their families?

Due to the confidential nature of our services, we are unable to connect you directly with Veterans, Service Members, and their Military Families.

To stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the local military and Veterans community, check out our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and News.

 

Can I offer products or services to your providers?

Our Volunteer Health Providers are independent licensed practitioners, and we do not promote or encourage specific treatments or products to our Volunteer Health Provider network in any way.