Military Sexual Trauma (MST) refers to sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. It remains one of the most under-reported and under-resourced issues affecting veterans today. MST can happen to anyone — in any branch, at any rank, and at any point in their career. While women are disproportionately affected, male veterans experience MST as well.
A Critical and Underserved Need in the Veteran Community
Why GPS4VETS Works
- MST survivors experience higher rates of homelessness and housing instability
- Many struggle to navigate complex systems alone
- Survivors often require coordinated support across multiple domains: safety, mental health, employment, and family stability
- Community‑based organizations play a critical role in bridging service gaps
GPS4VETS works to ensure no survivor has to navigate these challenges in isolation.
How MST Impacts Veterans
Survivors often face challenges that go far beyond the trauma itself. For many survivors, MST is not a single event. It can have many layers and be a life‑altering experience if not addressed promptly. Many survivors leave the military without the support, safety, or resources they need to rebuild. Navigating the VA systems and benefits can be a challenge.
For many that go untreated, depression and anxiety can creep in. Without therapy/treatment, substance abuse is often the go to, used to dull the pain and confusion of what is happening. Most do not know that depression has set in they begin to isolate, continue the substance abuse that often leads to not taking care of what matters. That can lead to job loss, homelessness, isolation, and relationship issues. Tragically, it can also lead to self-harm or suicide. The challenges are real, valid, and deserve compassionate support.
GPS4VETS exists to change that.
Our Commitment to MST Survivors
GPS4VETS exists to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered support. Our priorities:
- Safety – creating a confidential, judgement-free environment
- Stability – assisting with housing and essential resources
- Support – guidance through benefits, services, and next steps
- Empowerment – restoring control, dignity and hope
Survivors do not need to navigate this on their own. We honor the veterans experience and respect their pace.
C – Family Centered Services (I can work with this)
Navigational Support for Veterans and Their Families
GPS4VETS provides a family‑centered, trauma‑informed service model designed to stabilize veterans and their households through coordinated community partnerships. Our approach recognizes that veterans rarely experience challenges alone — their children, partners, and caregivers are often directly affected.
Through https://gps4vets./gps4help, our service navigation portal, veterans can access a comprehensive network of support delivered in collaboration with leading organizations across Tampa Bay and Florida.
We believe we are stronger together and have formed several collaborations to ensure veterans get the assistance they need.
A Few of Our Collaboration Partners
Hope4Veterans (I will provide logo)
Based in the Jacksonville area, Hope4Veterans has spent years supporting women veterans and military families through peer support, empowerment programs, and community connection. Over time, they have received a significant number of requests for assistance from veterans in the Tampa Bay region — requests they were unable to fulfill due to geographic limitations and resource constraints.
This unmet need created a clear gap in services for MST survivors and women veterans in Tampa Bay.
GPS4VETS is stepping in to close that gap.
Through a close, ongoing partnership with Hope4Veterans, we ensure that veterans in the Tampa Bay area receive the support, stability, and coordinated care they deserve. Hope4Veterans provides the community‑based, peer‑driven foundation, while GPS4VETS delivers the local navigation, housing support, crisis coordination, and family‑centered services needed to stabilize veterans in our region.
Together, we create a seamless continuum of care — one that honors the strengths of both organizations and ensures no veteran falls through the cracks simply because of where they live.
Veterans Art Center of Tampa Bay
Over the past 2 years we have worked closely with VACTB. They offer art and music therapy, creative expression programs, and community engagement opportunities. These services support emotional healing, resilience, and connection — especially for MST survivors and veterans coping with trauma.
Mental Resilience Counseling Partners
A network of trauma‑informed mental health providers offering counseling, wellness support, and long‑term therapeutic care. These partnerships ensure veterans have access to safe, culturally competent mental health services.
Action Zone
Provides entrepreneurship training, business development support, and skill‑building programs for veterans seeking economic stability and career advancement.
Pinellas County Veterans Association
Supports veterans through community outreach, benefits navigation, and coordinated service referrals across the region.
Florida Veterans Coalition
A statewide network offering crisis support, resource coordination, and veteran‑focused advocacy. Their Onward Ops and Operation Safe Landing programs strengthen our ability to stabilize veterans in transition.