Ring in the New Year with Purpose

As we welcome a new year, the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce is committed to connecting our military veteran community with the events, resources, and opportunities that matter most. January marks a time of fresh starts and renewed commitment. There's no better way to honor that spirit than by engaging with the many programs designed to support veterans and their families across Maryland.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service

One of the most meaningful ways to start the new year is by participating in the MLK Day of Service on Monday, January 19, 2026. Dr. King's legacy of compassion and community service resonates deeply with the veteran community. This national day of service offers opportunities for veterans supporting veterans across Maryland.

Montgomery County MLK Day of Service

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is hosting its largest annual volunteer event at the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza. This family-friendly gathering includes a Volunteer Fair and numerous service projects. It’s a perfect opportunity for veteran families to give back together.

Baltimore MLK Day of Service with Civic Works

Civic Works in Baltimore invites volunteers to answer Dr. King's challenge: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" Indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities are available, welcoming both individuals and groups.

VA Volunteer Opportunities

The Veteran Affairs Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) offers special ways to honor veterans on MLK Day, including

• Volunteer Transportation Network - Drive fellow veterans to VA appointments

• Compassionate Contact Corps - Provide phone-based social support to isolated veterans

• Red Coat Ambassadors - Help veterans navigate VA medical centers

• Event Support - Assist with food pantries, stand-downs, and welcome home events

Contact your local VA CDCE office to learn more about making MLK Day meaningful for the veteran community.

January Career Events for Veterans

Starting the year with career momentum is essential for military veterans transitioning to civilian employment. Several career-focused events are scheduled throughout the region.

Baltimore Job Fair – January 22, 2026

This career fair welcomes veterans and civilians alike, offering direct access to employers actively seeking candidates. Many companies specifically value the leadership, discipline, and skills that military veterans bring to the workplace.

VA Maryland Healthcare Virtual Information Session – January 28, 2026

The VA Maryland Health Care System is hosting a virtual information session from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. to help veterans learn about enrolling in VA healthcare, understanding benefits, and accessing resources for themselves and their families.

Sign up here: https://www.va.gov/maryland-health-care/events/85273/

Ongoing Virtual Career Fairs

Organizations like RecruitMilitary, Hiring Our Heroes, and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) regularly host virtual job fairs connecting veterans with employers committed to hiring those who served. These events are particularly valuable for veterans who prefer flexible, remote participation.

Veteran-Owned Business Networking Events

For veteran entrepreneurs, January offers several opportunities to connect, learn, and grow your business. The Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce encourages all veteran owned business owners to take advantage of these events.

DC Metro Engagement Dinner & Training Academy – January 14, 2026

Hosted by the National Veteran Small Business Coalition Education Foundation (NVSBC-EF), this event features a meal, training session, and networking focused on helping veteran owned business professionals thrive in government contracting. Both members and non-members are welcome.

NaVOBA Capital Raising Webinar – February 2, 2026

Looking ahead, the National Veteran Business Owners Association (NaVOBA) and the SEC's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation are hosting "Capital Raising 101 for Early-Stage Entrepreneurs"—a free webinar perfect for veteran owned business owners seeking funding strategies.

Register here: https://www.navoba.org/mfm-edu

Veteran EDGE Conference – March 4-6, 2026 (Dallas, TX)

While not in Maryland, this premier national conference is designed for veteran entrepreneurs ready to scale their businesses. Past participants have generated over $60 million in deals and partnerships through this event.

The Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce serves as your local connection point for veterans supporting veterans in business. As a chamber of commerce dedicated to the military veteran community, we help connect veteran owned business enterprises with resources, mentorship, and contracting opportunities.

Receive your interest form here: https://ivmf.syracuse.edu/programs/entrepreneurship/growth/veteran-edge/

Supportive Services for Veterans and Their Families

Beyond events, Maryland offers robust year-round supportive services for veterans and their families. These programs address critical needs including housing, employment, healthcare, and family support.

Housing Support Programs

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

The SSVF program, funded by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, provides crucial assistance to low-income veteran families facing housing instability. Maryland SSVF providers include

• Project PLASE (Baltimore City and County) - Offers case management, housing counseling, financial assistance, and connections to benefits and services. In 2023, Project PLASE served over 634 veterans through their SSVF program.

• St. Vincent de Paul of Baltimore - Provides housing stability services, benefits coaching, and support for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

• St. James Zion House (Eastern Shore) - Has served over 600 veterans and their family members since 2013 with rapid re-housing and homeless prevention services.

  
  

SSVF services include temporary financial assistance for rent, security deposits, utilities, moving costs, and childcare. They are all designed to help veteran families achieve stable housing.

HUD-VASH Program

The HUD-Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines rental assistance vouchers with case management and support services. Contact Kelley Camarote at the VA Maryland Health Care System (443-252-0648) for veterans in central Maryland and the Eastern Shore.

Healthcare and Mental Health Resources

VA Maryland Health Care System

The VA Maryland Health Care System provides comprehensive healthcare guided by the needs of veterans, their families, and caregivers. Services include primary care, mental health support, specialty care, and programs specifically designed for women veterans.

Key Contact Numbers:

• VA Call Center for Women Veterans: 855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6636)

• VA Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838)

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families participates in the Governor's Challenge for Preventing Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out—help is available 24/7. Dial 988 then press 1 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Employment and Career Services

Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (HVRP)

For veterans facing employment barriers, the HVRP provides job placement assistance and support services. St. James Zion House has assisted over 100 veterans through this program since 2017.

Maryland State Government Veteran Hiring

Maryland offers veterans a 10-point credit on selection tests for state employment, and additional points for former prisoners of war. The state actively values the experience gained through military service.

Family Support Resources

Military Families Resources

The Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families provides resources specifically for military families, including:

• Caregiver support programs and webinars

• Education scholarships for dependents

• Connections to Blue Star Families and Elizabeth Dole Foundation resources

• Maryland Access Point health support linkages

How the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce Supports You

As your local chamber of commerce dedicated to veterans supporting veterans, the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce serves as a bridge between our military veteran community and the opportunities that help them thrive.

We connect veteran owned business enterprises with procurement opportunities, facilitate networking among veteran entrepreneurs, advocate for policies that benefit the veteran community, and share resources that strengthen veteran families.

Get Involved This January

The new year is the perfect time to reconnect with your purpose. For us that means connecting you to possibilities Maryland has to offer. Volunteer on MLK Day, attend a career fair, network with fellow veteran business owners, or access supportive services for veterans and their families.

Here's how to take action

1. Mark Your Calendar - Add January events to your schedule, especially the MLK Day of Service on January 19th and the Baltimore Job Fair on January 22nd.

2. Connect with Resources - If you or a veteran family member needs support, reach out to SSVF providers or the VA Maryland Health Care System.

3. Join Our Community - Connect with the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce to network with fellow veteran owned business owners and stay informed about opportunities.

4. Support Fellow Veterans - Whether through volunteering, mentorship, or simply checking in on a fellow veteran, embody the spirit of veterans supporting veterans.

   
   

Contact Information

Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families Communications, Outreach, and Advocacy Program: 410-260-3842 or 410-260-3840

VA Maryland Health Care System Visit: va.gov/maryland-health-care

SSVF Program Information National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838)

The Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve our military veteran community. Together, we build a stronger Maryland—one veteran, one family, one business at a time.

Have questions about veteran resources or want to get involved with the chamber? Contact the Maryland Veterans Chamber of Commerce today.