Volunteers of America

What Volunteers of America does

Volunteers of America is a faith-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit human services organization founded in 1896 and headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. It operates as a federated platform of 29 regional affiliates delivering services across 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, touching the lives of 2 to 2.5 million people annually. Its service portfolio spans behavioral and mental health treatment (including medication-assisted treatment and family-focused recovery), affordable housing (20,000+ units across 500+ properties in 42 states), homelessness services, older adult care and skilled nursing (30+ senior living communities), veterans services (SSVF and HVRP programs, with 4,000 nightly beds for homeless veterans), children, youth and family programs, disability services, and community justice and re-entry programs. The organization also operates community thrift stores and food distribution programs as part of its community outreach layer.

The business model is multi-stream nonprofit revenue, with no direct consumer pricing. Funding comes from federal government grants and contracts (notably VA SSVF and DOL HVRP), tax-deductible charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations, corporate partnerships (Humana Foundation, HCA Healthcare Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, Capital One, USAA, CenterWell, Sodexo), affordable housing rental income, thrift store retail revenue, and program service fees. Distribution is direct-service-led through 29 affiliates, supplemented by a service-navigator website tool that lets individuals search by location and service type. The technology stack is not publicly differentiated; it relies on standard enterprise tools such as Relias for workforce education, web-based service navigation, and Cloudflare-based site infrastructure. Branded initiatives include Operation Backpack, Family-Focused Recovery, Aging with Options, Innovative Dwellings, Futures Fund, and Determined Health.

Go-to-market is fundamentally sales-led and government-contracting-led at the national level, with community-led and partnership-led motions layered on. National leadership includes a President and CEO, a CFO, COO, CTO/CIO, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, Chief Ministry Officer, and heads of External Affairs and Affiliate Relations. The board of directors includes former executives from AON, Humana, Molina Healthcare, USO, Franciscan Missionaries of our Lady Health System, and the American Bar Association, lending governance and corporate development depth. The organization is currently expanding senior emotional health programming through a $12M Humana Foundation grant, deepening its VFW and Humana/CenterWell/USAA veteran homelessness coalition, and adding executive capacity in External Affairs effective June 2026.

Name

Volunteers of America

Legal name

Volunteers of America

Website

https://voa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1896

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Volunteers of America is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1896 that delivers behavioral health, affordable housing, veteran, senior, and family services to over 2 million people annually across 47 states, DC, and Puerto Rico through 29 affiliates, funded by government contracts, donations, and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Human Services

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Temporary Shelters (624221), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Skilled Nursing Care Facilities (8051), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Mental Health & Crisis Support Services (BPAGACAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Youth Leadership, Civic Education & Service-Learning Nonprofits (BPAGADAI), Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits (BPAGADAK)

Keywords

• Affordable housing services
• Human services nonprofit
• Veteran support services
• Senior care services
• Behavioral health treatment

Headquarters

HQ city

Alexandria

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Tax-deductible charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations supporting the nonprofit mission
2. Government Grants and Contracts: Federal funding from Department of Veterans Affairs (SSVF program), Department of Labor (HVRP), and other government agencies
3. Corporate Partnerships: National partnerships with corporations including Capital One, The Home Depot Foundation, Humana Foundation for CSR initiatives and program support
4. Thrift Store Revenue: Community thrift stores generating revenue that funds human service programs
5. Affordable Housing Rentals: Rental income from over 20,000 affordable housing units across 500+ properties in 42 states plus Puerto Rico
6. Program Service Fees: Fees for certain programs and services

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Volunteers of America is a faith-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers human services across the United States, including affordable housing, senior living and skilled nursing care, behavioral health and substance use treatment, veteran housing and employment programs, children and family services, disability supports, and re-entry services for individuals returning from incarceration. Service delivery occurs through 29 local affiliates operating hundreds of programs in over 400 communities across 46 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico, reaching more than 2 million people annually. The organization is funded primarily through donations, federal grants and contracts, and program service fees rather than direct consumer payments.

Product overview

Volunteers of America is a nationwide nonprofit social services organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of human services organized across multiple program areas. The organization operates as a platform of interconnected service lines rather than a single product, with core service categories including Behavioral and Mental Health Services, Affordable Housing Network, Homelessness Services, Older Adult Care, Veterans Services, Children and Family Programs, Disability Services, and Community Justice Programs. The portfolio includes branded initiatives like Operation Backpack®, Family-Focused Recovery, Futures Fund, Innovative Dwellings, Determined Health, and Aging with Options™. VOANS (Volunteers of America National Services) serves as the housing and healthcare subsidiary operating senior living communities. The organization touches over 2 million people annually through hundreds of programs in 400+ communities across 46 states plus D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Operation Backpack®: VOA's initiative to fill in the gap for children experiencing homelessness, poverty, and otherwise underprivileged circumstances by providing backpacks, school supplies, and funding for academic enrichment.
• Futures Fund
• Family-Focused Recovery
• Innovative Dwellings
• Determined Health

Products and services

• Behavioral and Mental Health Services Comprehensive behavioral and mental health services for individuals, adolescents, and families, including substance use disorder treatment, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), intensive outpatient services, residential treatment, and the pioneering Family-Focused Recovery program.
• Children, Youth and Family Programs Programs for children, youth, and families including child care, Head Start, early literacy programs, before/after-school programs, mentoring, foster care, adoption services, family reunification, and transitional housing for youth aging out of foster care.
• Affordable Housing Network Affordable rental housing network comprising 500+ properties and 20,000+ units across 42 states plus Puerto Rico, including senior housing, veteran housing, family housing, and housing for persons with disabilities. Nearly 25,000 people are housed each year.
• Homelessness Services Services to end homelessness including emergency shelter, transitional housing for veterans, rapid rehousing programs, and permanent supportive housing with intensive case management for chronically homeless individuals and families.
• Services for People with Disabilities Supportive living services, in-home support, day programs, and supportive employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including services for autism, Prader-Willi syndrome, and specialized residential options.
• Older Adult Care and Living Comprehensive senior living and care services including skilled nursing, assisted living, memory care, PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), home health services, short-term rehabilitation, and independent living across 30+ senior living communities.
• Supportive Services for Veterans and Their Families (SSVF) Comprehensive veteran services funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, including housing assistance, rapid rehousing, case management, mental health support, employment training, and transitional housing, serving 27,000 veterans annually including over 10,000 homeless veterans.
• Community Justice and Re-Entry Program Services for individuals returning from incarceration including halfway houses, work-release programs, day reporting, diversion and pre-trial services, residential treatment, family supports, literacy training, and mentoring through programs such as Amicus.
• Assistance with Basic Needs Emergency assistance including food pantries, food assistance, clothing, and essential supplies for individuals and families in crisis, including Project Esperanza for disaster relief.
• Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) Federal program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor providing employment and training services to place homeless veterans in jobs, with job counseling, resume preparation, job placement, and follow-up support.
• Operation Backpack Registered trademark initiative that fills the gap for children experiencing homelessness, poverty, and otherwise underprivileged circumstances by providing backpacks, school supplies, and funding for academic enrichment.
• Determined Health Community health initiative featuring Community Health Workers (CHWs) who serve as liaisons between healthcare professionals, social services, and communities to help those in need access services.
• VOANS (Volunteers of America National Services) The Housing and Healthcare affiliate of Volunteers of America, operating 30+ senior living and care communities and managing affordable housing properties across the United States.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2 million+ people served annually across 400+ communities
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Humana Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Humana and VFW partnership with CenterWell, USAA and Volunteers of America hosting national Day of Service on May 19 to support veterans experiencing homelessness, preparing 4,000 essential care kits.
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026VFW Day of Service program supported over 2,300 service events in 2025. New collaboration with Volunteers of America in 2026 for veteran homelessness initiatives.
• CenterWellcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Partner in VFW Day of Service initiative for homeless veterans and housing insecurity in communities with large veteran populations.
• USAAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Partner in VFW Day of Service initiative for homeless veterans, supporting veterans experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.
• AmeriCorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAmeriCorps works with local and national partners to tackle the country's most pressing challenges, focusing on disaster services, economic opportunity, education, environmental stewardship, healthy futures, and veterans & military families.
• Capital OnecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCapital One supports financial inclusion and community partnerships, working with VOA to help those in need access financial services and support.
• Farm2VeteranminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides fresh, nutritious food to veterans through the Fulcrum Farm Foundation, partnering with farms nationwide to ensure veterans in need have access to high-quality food.
• Good360minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRedirects donated goods where they can do the most good, strengthening communities and unlocking lasting opportunities for people to thrive.
• iHeartIMPACTminorGTM or Marketing PartnerA division at iHeartMedia that aligns brands with nonprofit organizations to help underserved communities across the country.
• The Molina FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDedicated to reducing disparities in access to education and health, focusing on children in low-income households with books at home contributing to learning environments.
• Niagara ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeading manufacturer of innovative water and energy conservation products supporting VOA housing properties.
• Low Income Investment Fund (LIIF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLIIF released FY25 early care and education impact report; managing California Department of Social Services' $350.5 million Infrastructure Grant Program with VOA partnerships.
• SodexominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Quality of Life Services leader Sodexo to create professional development training series for veterans.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• The Salvation Army USA: The Salvation Army is the closest peer: a faith-based, nationwide 501(c)(3) delivering housing, rehabilitation, senior care, disaster relief, and emergency assistance at comparable scale, competing with VOA for the same donor and federal grant pools.
• Catholic Charities USA: Catholic Charities operates a similarly federated network of human-service agencies across the U.S. with overlapping programs in housing, behavioral health, refugee services, and senior care, often competing head-to-head with VOA affiliates for government contracts.
• Goodwill Industries International: Goodwill is a federated nonprofit network of similar scale that runs workforce development, re-entry, and disability employment programs directly comparable to VOA's HVRP, Amicus re-entry, and supported-employment services, and also derives revenue from a retail (thrift store) channel.
• Habitat for Humanity International: Habitat is a comparable large nonprofit housing developer with an affiliate structure, building affordable and veteran-focused housing nationwide; it overlaps directly with VOA's affordable-housing and veteran-housing missions and competes for similar donor and corporate partner funding.
• Feeding America: Feeding America operates the largest U.S. domestic hunger-relief network, paralleling VOA's food-pantry, mobile-meal, and basic-needs programs for low-income populations and competing for the same retail/CPG donation streams.
• National Council on Aging: NCOA is a peer advocacy and direct-service organization focused on senior health and economic security, overlapping with VOA's aging-services portfolio and partnering with Humana and other VOA funders on senior mental-health initiatives.
• Mercy Housing: Mercy Housing is a faith-affiliated nonprofit affordable-housing developer and service provider that competes with VOA for LIHTC awards, project-based rental assistance, and supportive-housing grants.

Broad incumbents

• United Way Worldwide: United Way is a large federated funder and convener that channels corporate donations to a national network of human-service nonprofits, including many of VOA's affiliates; it sits one layer above as a competitor for workplace-giving campaigns.

Regional players

• Community of Hope: Community of Hope is a regional nonprofit in D.C. combining affordable housing, primary care, and family services; comparable to VOA's integrated care model but operating in a single market, illustrating a more focused peer model.

Others

• USO (United Service Organizations): USO is a nonprofit serving military families and adjacent to VOA's veteran services (a VOA board member leads USO's field development); they co-serve the same beneficiary base though USO focuses on casework/recreation rather than housing or recovery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/vol_of_america
• YouTubeyoutube.com/VolofAmerica
• Facebookfacebook.com/VolOfAmerica
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/volunteers-of-america
• Instagraminstagram.com/volunteers_of_america

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries31 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors3 records

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Volunteers of America