New military webpages address survey concerns

A series of new webpages launched today, providing resources, essential information, and opportunities for the county's 79,000-plus veterans, service members, and their families.

The new webpages were developed in response to findings from a survey conducted by the Fairfax County Veterans and Military Families Commission. The survey, conducted in winter 2025, received 476 responses and highlighted challenges related to housing, food security, education, childcare, employment and mental health/substance abuse.
 

Key Survey Findings

• High cost of living is the top concern: Among those interested in renting or owning a home, 90% reported that rent and mortgage costs or limited affordable units were the primary challenge to securing affordable housing. Overall, 73% of respondents cited housing costs as their main challenge.
• Food and child care affordability challenges: Approximately 27% of veteran households in the county have children under the age of 18. The high costs of child care and food security were among the top concerns. 15% of respondents reported that they sometimes or often couldn’t afford to eat balanced meals.
• Limited awareness of available services: Fewer than 50% of respondents were familiar with most services and support opportunities shared throughout the survey, such as first-time homebuyer programs and Fairfax County Public Schools’ free and reduced lunch vouchers.
• Education satisfaction: Most respondents said they were satisfied with the job public schools do with preparing students for the school year, however FCPS received mixed reviews on support for military-connected families.
• Mental health and substance use: 5% of respondents reported having struggled with substance abuse or addiction at some point. Only 21% of respondents shared they are currently receiving mental health treatment or support. 

The new webpages address the survey’s key findings by providing specific resources for veterans, active military and families and spouses. Information includes housing resources, child care programs, FCPS programs for military families, higher education opportunities, health clinics and more. 

• Military and Veterans
• Active Duty
• Families
• Veterans and Retired Military

Veterans and Military Families Commission

Created by the Board of Supervisors in March 2024, the Fairfax County Veterans and Military Families Commission is charged with exploring and representing the issues facing local veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and their families.

Vietnam War Veteran Stories

The Fairfax County History Commission is collecting the stories of Vietnam War veterans who live in our community. Each interview will run for about 30 minutes and will become part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. 

The commission is looking for veterans to interview and for student note-takers ages 15 and older. Students may be able to count their time toward school service-learning hours. Interviews continue through early May 2027.

To take part, email the History Commission at queenofcheaptravel@gmail.com. If you know a veteran who would like to share their story, send the commission their contact information with their permission.