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.
Search the Database
BSF Ideas
BSF Ideas
Populations
Topics
States
Keywords
Legend
Defense State Liaison Office (DSLO) priority.
Spotlight initiative for state.
Search Results
Please use the filters above to view search results.
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
Military One Source program
Military OneSource provides 24/7 support to service members, spouses, and families, including counseling, benefits guidance, and relocation resources, supporting readiness, reintegration, and family well-being.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Utah offers first-time homebuyer grants to eligible service members, veterans, and military families, helping reduce upfront housing costs and support homeownership.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Utah prioritizes eligible service members, veterans, and military families for certain housing assistance programs, helping improve access to stable and affordable housing.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Maryland offers affordable rental housing options for eligible service members, veterans, and military families, helping support housing stability.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Military One Source program
Missouri-connected service members and families can access 24/7 counseling, relocation assistance, and benefits support through Military OneSource, helping strengthen readiness and family well-being.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Military Family Relief Fund
Military Family Relief Fund provides emergency financial assistance for eligible service members, veterans, and military families in Alabama.
New Jersey Active Military Service Property Tax Deferment
New Jersey allows active military service members to defer property taxes, supporting financial stability, family well-being, and readiness.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Washington law (RCW 59.18) allows military families to terminate leases early without penalty upon receiving deployment or reassignment orders, providing flexibility and housing security during service-related relocations.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Kentucky provides housing assistance to eligible service members deployed overseas, helping cover missed mortgage or housing payments and reduce financial strain during deployment.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Recognizes military family status as a protected class, reducing discrimination and supporting fair treatment for service members, veterans, and military families.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
A $6,000 state grant will help Pensacola build new affordable housing for service members and military families, expanding community support and housing access.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Homes of Veterans/Widows Acquired Under Public Law
Alabama exempts certain homes acquired by veterans and surviving spouses under public law from property taxation, helping reduce housing costs and support long-term housing stability.
Maryland Veterans Trust Fund gives one-time grants for urgent needs to veterans, spouses, Gold Star parents, and National Guard members.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
New Jersey allows eligible service members to defer property tax payments during periods of active military service, helping ease financial strain while deployed.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
Virginia’s employment and housing legislation provides workforce and housing support for military spouses and service members, promoting career opportunities, family stability, and readiness.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
This exemption lowers assessed property values for up to two tax years.
Populations: Active Duty Topics: Financial Stability (Fee Waiver, Food Insecurity), Financial Support, Housing, Housing Concerns/Insecurity
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.
