🇺🇸 Operation First Response
For 22 years, Operation First Response has stood beside our Nation’s Heroes — offering a lifeline of hope to Active-Duty Service Members, Disabled Veterans, and First Responders in times of unexpected crisis.
We understand that asking for help is never easy. Every request we receive is reviewed with care, respect, and confidentiality.
Operation First Response provides emergency financial assistance to:
– Active-Duty Service Members who are wounded, injured, or critically ill
– Disabled Veterans with a 50% or higher VA disability rating
– First Responders including: Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, EMS Personnel, and 911 Dispatchers
– Families of Fallen Heroes may also apply for limited assistance on a case-by-case basis
If you do not meet one of the categories above, please contact United Way (dial 2-1-1).
❌ OFR Does NOT Provide Assistance For:
Credit Card Payments
Taxes
Child Support
Hotel Expenses
Title Loans
Personal Loans
Home Repairs
How Our Process Works:
To ensure we can continue serving Heroes nationwide, OFR now accepts a limited number of applications each month.
As soon as funding increases, we will be able to open more grant cycles.
– Applications open the 3rd Friday of each month — and remain open for 48 hours (Friday–Sunday)
– 10 families are selected during each cycle based on the urgency and severity of need
– All applicants will receive a follow-up email within several days
– If we are unable to assist during the current cycle, you will receive a Resource Guide with other organizations that may be able to help
– You may reapply during future open windows if your situation remains critical
Before You Apply:
Please carefully review the following qualifications:
– You must meet one of the eligible service categories listed above
– You must have documentation verifying your situation (e.g., eviction notice, utility shutoff, medical bill, proof of service)
– You must provide a valid email address and phone number
– You must not have received assistance from OFR within the last 12 months
*If a request for assistance is submitted by a Veteran’s family member, the Veteran must reside in the household from which the request originates.
When Applications Open:
Next Open Window: [Our next grant cycle will be Friday, 20 February 2026]
Applications are only accepted during open windows. When the form is closed, this page will display a notice reading:
“Operation First Response has reached our capacity for this cycle. Please check back on the next opening date.”
Important Reminders:
Submitting an application does not guarantee assistance.
Each request is personally reviewed by the OFR Team.
OFR’s ability to assist depends on available funding and the urgency of your situation.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please contact your local emergency services or 9-1-1 immediately
