Veterans Respite Program

Provide short-term restorative free stays for veterans in a 3-bedroom Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort and Waterpark Time-Share setting.

Many veterans face stressors that can affect mental, physical, and social well-being, including transition challenges, service-connected disability, grief, caregiver strain, financial pressure, housing instability, chronic health concerns, and disconnection from supportive networks. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs emphasizes that suicide prevention and veteran wellness require a whole-of-community approach, including outreach, connection, positive coping skills, and support before a crisis occurs. A residential respite model can help address these needs by creating time and space for veterans to rest, reconnect, and receive practical support in a non-clinical, community-based environment.

Program setting

The Veterans Respite Program will operate from a 3-bedroom timeshare that can host small groups of veterans for short-term free stays. The property will be used for scheduled respite retreats, peer fellowship, wellness activities, resource navigation, and individualized goal planning. Each stay will be designed to be restorative, respectful, and veteran-centered, while also maintaining clear safety expectations and referral procedures for participants who need a higher level of clinical care through vacationing.

What the program provides

• Short-term respite lodging in a quiet, structured 3-bedroom setting, 4-day 3-night and 3-day 2-night weekend stays for peer support circles and guided group discussions focused on connection, resilience, and transition challenges.
• Wellness activities such as walking, recreation, journaling, mindfulness, nutrition education, and restorative rest.
• Resource navigation for VA enrollment, benefits referrals, local veteran services, counseling options, employment support, housing resources, and crisis support information.
• Individual respite planning, including participant goals, follow-up needs, and warm referrals to community partners.

Schedule your stay

Please contact Vision of Veterans staff for available dates and additional information.