The Florida Veterans Coalition is distributing 10,000 free cell phones and service to veterans statewide, including in Brevard County, to help them access VA benefits. The initiative, announced March 12, 2026, aims to close a gap where thousands of veterans are not claiming benefits. 'Far too many veterans aren’t connected,' said Beau Blouin, vice president of operations for the coalition. 'This can lead to homelessness, mental health challenges, and higher suicide rates.'
The phones automatically link users to the Onward Network, a secure platform designed for veterans to find local resources and apply for benefits. The program partners with AT&T, Cell Phone for Soldiers, and the Onward Network. Florida has 1.379 million veterans, the second-largest population in the nation, and many qualify for the free phones. 'It’s free of charge,' Blouin said. 'We’re trying to get veterans enrolled in the VA system.'
The Florida Department of Health reports veterans in the state have suicide rates at least 2.6 times higher than the general population. Blouin said isolation is a key factor. 'If we can get veterans enrolled through the Onward Network, we can start helping suicide rates,' he said. The phones are part of a broader effort to reduce barriers to VA services, which include healthcare, housing, and mental health support.
The coalition says veterans can apply for the phones through local VA offices or online. In Brevard County, veterans can contact the VA Outpatient Clinic in Cocoa or the VA Medical Center in Daytona Beach for assistance. The phones are expected to reach veterans across Florida, but the coalition is prioritizing areas with high rates of unclaimed benefits. 'This is about connecting people,' Blouin said. 'We’re not just giving phones—we’re giving access to resources.'