Veterans

Content added May 17, 2025

We are able to advise veterans on GI Bill benefits that they may be eligible for and explain the application process. 

MU Veterans Center (University of Missouri)
Memorial Union (Lower-level N-5)
516 Hitt Street
Columbia, Missouri 65211

Monday through Friday 9 am to 4 pm. If possible, please call to make an appointment.
(573) 884-4383
Email: veterans@missouri.edu

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Veterans

Content added March 10, 2025
All branches of Daniel Boone Regional Library now offer free gun locks — no questions asked, no library card required. The locks can be requested at the front desk of each branch.

Truman Veterans’ Hospital provides the cable gun locks. In addition to promoting general weapon safety, the locks are part of the hospital’s program to prevent and reduce the risk of veteran suicide. The hospital continues to supply the locks to the library as needed.

Printed on each gun lock is the logo and contact for the Veterans Crisis Line, a crisis hotline for veterans and their loved ones. The locks also come with instructions on how to use them, two keys and information on recognizing the signs of suicide risk and the phone number for the Veterans Crisis Line.

Columbia Public Library
100 W. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203
(573) 443-3161

Callaway County Public Library
710 Court St., Fulton, MO 65251
(573) 642-7261

Holts Summit Public Library
188 W. Simon Blvd., Holts Summit, MO 65043
(573) 606-8770

Southern Boone County Public Library
109 N. Main St., Ashland, MO 65010
(573) 657-7378

Veterans

Content added Nov. 5, 2024

The Show Me Home Program is a new legal service being provided through the University of Missouri School of Law Veterans Legal Clinic. The Show Me Home Program will focus on Discharge upgrades, Character of Service upgrades, and Service Connection claims/appeals. Brochure.

If you learn of a Veteran who could benefit from the Show Me Home Program, please contact Eugene O’Loughlin at 573-882-2502, eugeneologhlin@missouri.edu, or Andy Rogers at 573-882-1572, alw394@missouri.edu, to be screened for eligibility.

Content updated April 30, 2025

Empowers people with disabilities, seniors and veterans to maximize their independence in the community. Includes information, demonstrations, and presentations on assistive devices/technology, as well as technical assistance for a variety of accessibility needs. SIL provides demonstrations and resources for medical equipment, communication devices, and home modifications like ramps. Durable medical equipment includes crutches, wheelchairs (including powerchairs), medical beds, braces, and more.

Transportation
Service is door-to-door. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:00 pm except on observed holidays. All riders must be at least 18 years old.

To be eligible you must have a disability, be at least 55 years of age, or be a veteran. For veterans, SIL requires documentation prior to one’s first ride verifying they are a veteran. Spouses of veterans can also ride free and also requires prior documentation.

If you have not used SIL Transportation service before, please call us at (573) 874-1646.
A ride is $14 one way. Payment is expected at the time of pick up.

Rides are limited to within the Columbia city limits.  Availability is limited, not every ride request can be fulfilled. Riders must be able to ride independently and load/unload any items in their possession. Individuals who cannot ride independently are responsible for bringing their own caregiver. Caregivers ride at no charge, but we do need to know if you will bring one with you.  

1905 W Ash Street
Columbia, MO 65203
573-874-1646 ext. 217

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Veterans and veterans’ families

Content updated June 25, 2025

More than just a shelter, Welcome Home provides 32 transitional housing rooms, with 34 beds, for homeless Veterans and families, including a separate corridor for female Veterans. It is located is located on Columbia’s Veterans Campus where they serve all homeless veterans, not just those from Columbia. Call for an interview.

Multiple resources:
Emergency and Transitional Shelter for qualifying literally Homeless Veterans.
Rapid Re-Housing and Homelessness Prevention for qualifying Literally and Imminently Homeless Veterans and their households.
Employment services available for Shelter or RRH & HP participants.
Healthcare Navigation services for RRH & HP Program Participants.

2120 Business Loop 70 E
Columbia, MO 65201
Email: info@welcomeveterans.org
573-443-8001

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