Military Assistance Response Program

Helping veterans and military families stabilize, rebuild, and move forward with dignity

Every day, veterans and military families face unexpected financial hardships — often through no fault of their own. A medical crisis, job loss, training gap, or military-related challenge can quickly disrupt stability.

Our Military Assistance Response Program (MARP) provides fast, verified, and confidential financial support during these moments so families can stay safe, housed, and on solid ground.

What MARP Provides

USA Cares offers one-time, emergency financial assistance for essential needs that protect a family’s health, safety, and well-being.
Upon approval, we pay directly to the vendor, ensuring every dollar goes where it’s needed most.

Covered expenses may include:
• Housing
• Utilities
• Transportation
• Food assistance

Every application is reviewed with care, verified thoroughly, and approved on a case-by-case basis.
There is no repayment required — this is a hand up, not a handout.

Army veteran Matthew Brooks sits in uniform on a couch, looking directly at the camera. Next to him is a handwritten note that reads: ‘People like you make it easier for people like me to believe there’s goodness in the world. Words cannot express my gratitude for you and your organization. It is because of you that allow veterans to heal and enjoy life again. God bless. Respectfully, Matthew Brooks, Major, US Army (Retired).’

A Moment of Hope: Matthew’s Story

After completing a substance-abuse recovery program, Army veteran Major Matthew Brooks (Ret.) returned home ready to rebuild his life — only to learn he had lost his job while receiving treatment. He quickly found new full-time employment, but like so many families in transition, he faced several weeks without income before his first paycheck.

The sudden gap put his housing at risk.

USA Cares stepped in to verify the situation and provide essential support to keep his home stable during that transition. With his housing secure, Matthew was able to focus fully on his recovery, reconnect with his family, and move forward with confidence.

He later shared:

“People like you make it easier for people like me to believe there’s goodness in the world. Words cannot express my gratitude. It is because of you that Veterans can heal and enjoy life again.”
— Major Matthew Brooks, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Stories like Matthew’s show the heart of MARP: standing beside veterans at pivotal moments and helping them regain stability with dignity and hope.