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Explore How States are Supporting Military Families
Across the country, states are advancing thoughtful policies, programs, and partnerships that strengthen support for military and veteran-connected families. This toolkit brings together those efforts in one shared, accessible place.
Select a state on the map to explore local initiatives, or browse the full database below to discover ideas and opportunities being activated nationwide.
Darker shaded states are a Do Your Part state.
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Military Spouse Liason
Washington State created the Military Spouse Liaison, the nation’s first, to address military family childcare and advise on early learning policy through the state’s Early Learning Advisory Council.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Childcare, Childcare Challenges, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
Washington National Guard Joint Services Support Directorate
Washington’s centralized support center for Guardsmen, Reservists, veterans, and military families offers family readiness programs, services, and community connection events.
Populations: Guard and Reserve Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Community Integration Support
Child Care for Military Families in Washington State Roadmap
Guides military families through finding and paying for childcare after receiving orders or experiencing a change in family status, including military and civilian childcare programs in Washington State.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Childcare, Childcare Challenges, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
The Washington Military Family Hunger Campaign aims to unite people and organizations in support of military families and veterans living within the state.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Food Insecurity
Washington State Community Service Office
Washington State’s Community Service Office, in partnership with WDVA, provides healthcare, housing, food, emergency resources, and other essential services to residents, including military families. The Military Spouse Liaison and WDVA conduct ongoing training to ensure staff are equipped with military and veteran cultural competency.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Food Insecurity
Washington State Attorney General’s Military & Veteran Legal Resource Guide and Webpage
The Washington State Attorney General’s Military & Veteran Legal Resource Webpage promotes and facilitates civil legal assistance programs, pro bono services, and self-help services for military members, veterans, and their families.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Legal/Justice System Navigation, Resource Systems Navigation
Moving to Washington Guide for Military Families
The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs publishes an annual “Resources for Military Families in WA” guide and will release an updated Moving to Washington Guide for Military Families in 2025 to help service members and their families access benefits, services, and relocation resources.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Mobility & Relocation, Relocation/PCS Issues
Washington State Military Transition & Readiness Council
The Washington State Military Transition and Readiness Council (WSMTRC), established by the Governor’s Executive Order, brings together state, local, and federal agencies, military installations, and private organizations to collaborate on supporting the military community across Washington.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Community Integration Support
Provider Appreciation Day
Washington observes annual Provider Appreciation Day events each May to recognize and honor childcare providers statewide, including those who support military families and contribute to quality early care and education.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Childcare, Childcare Challenges, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
Free Sports Tickets
Seattle Mariners, Kraken, and Seahawks offer discounted or free “Salute to Service” tickets for military members and veterans, supporting service member engagement through sporting events.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Belonging/Community Support
Cost of Living Report
Cost of Living Report: financial assistance, grants, or cost-relief benefit for eligible service members, veterans, and military families in Washington.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Childcare, Childcare Challenges, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
Washington provides occupational licensing compacts and military spouse license recognition for military service members, veterans, and spouses, supporting workforce access, credential portability, and career continuity across state lines.
Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction Military Resources
Washington provides military-connected students and families with resources, guidance, and support through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to help navigate school transitions and maintain educational continuity.
Populations: Military Children Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Education, Educator Competency Training
Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program
The Veterans Downpayment Assistance Loan Program serves military veterans in Washington, and offers up to $10,000 in downpayment assistance at 3% interest, and combines with the Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity first-mortgage loan.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Chambers of Commerce
Military Affairs Councils at the Chambers of Commerce near Washington’s five major installations — Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI), Fairchild Air Force Base, and Naval Station Everett — connect local businesses to programs supporting military families and community integration.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Belonging/Community Support
Washington State Child Care for Military Families Workgroup
Washington State’s Military Child Care Workgroup brings together military leaders, DCYF staff, civilian providers, nonprofits, and school districts to share best practices, resources, and recommendations for improving childcare access for military families.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Childcare, Childcare Challenges, Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
Military Appreciation Events
Washington communities near major military installations host annual military appreciation events, parades, and festivals — like Foofaraw in Thurston County and Puget Sound’s SeaFair — to honor service members, veterans, and their families while promoting community engagement and patriotic celebrations.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Belonging, Belonging & Community, Belonging/Community Support
Military & Veteran Legal Resource Guide
Military & Veteran Legal Resource Guide: resource navigation and referrals connecting military families to benefits, services, and local support programs in Washington.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Legal/Justice System Navigation, Resource Systems Navigation
Counseling and Wellness Program
Provides counseling and wellness services, supporting mental health, resilience, and overall well-being for service members, veterans, and military families.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Health & Wellbeing, Health and Wellness, Mental Health Support
Veteran Homebuyers Partenership
Veteran Homebuyers Partnership: financial assistance, grants, or cost-relief benefit for eligible service members, veterans, and military families in Washington.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support
Your Feedback is Welcome!
This toolkit is launching in 'beta' to demonstrate the incredible potential of state level work. We'll keep refining it and would love your help in making it the most comprehensive, easy to use tool out there. Help us improve the States toolkit by sharing anything that needs attention with Blue Star Families by filling out this form.
A comprehensive overview of the methodology and supporting data can be found in the full technical memo.
Let's work together to support our military families.
The Do Your Part coalition is led by Blue Star Families with support from Craig Newmark and craig newmark philanthropies.
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