Billings Blue

In 2013, Community Development Division staff began supporting veterans, military members, and their families through the Billings Metro VISTA Project to:

• Increase economic savings through discounted goods and services.
• Increase access to low cost food.
• Provide assistance animals to disabled individuals.
• Increase access to healthcare.
• Develop new programs to address educational, recreational, social and emotional needs. 

The initiative was named Billings Blue and hundreds of local veterans and active military members have benefited from enhanced programming. Billings Blue can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

For current resources, connect with Montana 211! 

Website: Montana211.org is a mobile friendly website that can be easily searched for your city's non-profit and government services. Search by organization name or keyword, based on the services you need.
Phone: The 2-1-1 phone number works in some areas of Montana at this time. When dialing 2-1-1 in those areas a trained resource specialist will help you navigate the services in your area.

Billings Military Discounts

VISTA members have recruited the support of many local, regional and national organizations offering discounts to military members, veterans and their families. A complete list of cost savings for dining, apparel, home / auto supplies, entertainment, and other services.

Dog Tag Buddies

As a result of VISTA member support, a new nonprofit organization was created to match trained service / support dogs with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries. Dog Tag Buddies has helped many veterans lead more fulfilling lives!

Military Child Care Assistance Program

VISTA members created a partnership with with Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Post 1634 to raise funds for a Military Child Care Assistance Program for military families in need of financial aid for child care costs. Families interested in applying for child care grants may download an application packet for submission to VFW Post 1634.

Veter​an Stand Down

Over 40 community service providers come together annually to create a one-stop destination for local veterans to receive donated items, collect resource materials, and meet one-on-one with service providers. Stand Down events are generally held in Billings each October. To find out when the next Stand Down will occur, please visit the Homeless Veterans Upcoming Events webpage.

Suit Up

VISTA members helped create a new partnership between the Human Resources Development Council and Family Service, Inc. to provide professional clothing to veterans seeking employment. The Billings Gazette published an article highlighting the new partnership. 

Proclamation

Billings Mayor Hanel proclaimed November 2014 "Active Military Family Support Month." See the signed proclamation here.