For many veterans, returning home is the beginning of a new mission: rebuilding a life in the civilian world with stability, support, and social connection. And while each veteran’s mental health journey is unique, one reality remains constant across communities: healing is out of reach without the stability of a safe place to sleep.

That’s why The Cigna Group Foundation is investing in programs that address one of the most powerful social determinants of mental well-being – housing stability – alongside coordinated services that help veterans thrive long after service.

The foundation invested more than $3 million with 22 nonprofits across 10 states to deliver veteran-focused projects throughout 2025. These projects were designed to improve housing stability and strengthen mental well-being. The funded projects spanned Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas, reflecting a community-first model that prioritizes on local expertise and partnerships.

A commitment grounded in local community partnerships

Veterans face an elevated risk of housing instability nationwide, with estimates that more than 40,000 veterans go without shelter on any given night and another 1.5 million are considered at risk of homelessness.

“Veterans make many sacrifices and sometimes endure the unthinkable in their pursuit of protecting our country,” said Tom Jenkins, president of Evernorth Federal Services and a U.S. military veteran, “This work reflects our organization’s commitment to honoring their legacy and sacrifice – when veterans have a stable place to call home, they’re better positioned to pursue care, rebuild routines, and strengthen the connections that support long-term mental well-being.”

The foundation’s veteran initiative aims to improve the mental health of military veterans by supporting evidence-informed housing pathways – from rental and mortgage assistance to home modifications, renovations, transitional housing options, and permanent housing development.

What support looked like in communities: tangible housing support, improvements in well-being, financial stability

The 2025 impact report shows how grant funding enables activities that improve veterans’ day-to-day lives and highlights the breadth of services veterans accessed through nonprofit programming. 

The report also underscores an important theme: progress isn’t just measured by how many services are delivered – it’s measured by whether those services help people move forward.

Among veterans measured across grantee programs, the report shows exceptionally strong outcomes.

“I’m so grateful to have a roof over my head and no longer be homeless,” said Bill S., who received support through grantee Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard in Pennsylvania. “Being at Veterans Place is truly a blessing and a privilege. This place is helping me rebuild my life, and the support and kindness I’ve received here are unlike anything I’ve ever known.”

Employee volunteerism at The Cigna Group

Our commitment to improve veteran mental health and housing stability is powered not only by grants, but also by employees who volunteer their time in the communities where they live and work.

In 2025, over 200 employees volunteered more than 1,000 hours supporting nonprofit partners that serve veterans – through hands-on projects ranging from building houses and fences to making blankets and heartfelt cards that help veterans feel welcomed and supported.

Employees from The Cigna Group helped build homes for veterans with Habitat for Humanity (left) and Veteran’s Community Project (right).

Together, these efforts reflect a simple idea: when communities show up for veterans – with resources, time, and respect – that support can become a stabilizing force.

Employees created blankets and heartfelt cards thanking veterans for their service with nonprofit partners Community Renewal Team and Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans.

Looking ahead: continued support for those who served our country

This initiative is part of a broader three-year, $27 million commitment to strengthen community health through three strategic goals: improving youth mental health, reducing barriers to health equity, and improving veteran mental health through housing stability.

As we look forward, our focus remains grounded in collaboration and community-based solutions. The foundation recently announced its latest round of veterans mental health grant recipients, focused on regions where The Cigna Group serves a significant number of customers with high social determinant of health risks.

“Our role is to partner with trusted local organizations that understand the realities on the ground,” said Ellie Polack, president of The Cigna Group Foundation. “By continuing to work alongside community-based partners, together we can honor veterans and help them move from instability to strength.”