Aug 11, 2025
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Humana announced today the successful Uniting to Combat Hunger & Homelessness (UTCH) program will officially be known as the ‘Uniting for Veterans’ program moving forward. This change reflects the programs’ ever-expanding scope and the VFW and Humana’s united commitment to addressing the diverse and evolving needs of the military and veteran communities.
In addition to announcing the program’s name change, leaders highlighted the support it has provided over the last year. UTCH raised more than 800,000 meals and 325 nights of housing for homeless veterans, shared Cara Brown, Director of Key Relationships for Humana’s MarketPoint, and Al Lipphardt, VFW National Commander, during the 126th VFW National Convention Joint Opening Session today.
The newly named Uniting for Veterans program will offer greater flexibility in providing comprehensive assistance beyond its initial focus on food insecurity and housing. This includes a broader array of support tailored to help increase its VFW Posts and Auxiliaries’ impact in their local veteran communities.
"Our military and veteran communities are incredibly diverse, and their needs are constantly changing. While hunger and homelessness remain critical issues, we recognize the necessity to adapt our program to offer additional support as necessary," said VFW National Commander Al Lipphardt. "The Uniting for Veterans name change better suits our ever-expanding mission and dedication to provide responsive and comprehensive assistance through our Posts and Auxiliaries that truly adapts with the needs of our veterans and their families."
Humana, the VFW’s long-standing ally in this vital initiative since UTCH’s inception in 2018, expressed enthusiasm for the program's evolution.
“At Humana, we are proud to stand with the VFW in this important transition. The Uniting for Veterans program will allow us to collectively address a wider spectrum of needs and help improve quality of life for America’s military and veteran families,” Brown said. “This enhanced flexibility ensures our combined efforts continue to make a profound, positive impact on the lives of those who have served and their loved ones.”
The VFW encourages all members and the public to learn more about the expanded Uniting for Veterans program and to support its vital mission at vfw.org/UnitingforVeterans.
-vfw-
About Humana
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we strive to make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and CenterWell.com.