Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions veterans, families, donors, and partners ask most about The 850 Committee. Don’t see your question? Contact us.
What is The 850 Committee?
The 850 Committee is a veteran-founded, veteran-led nonprofit serving veterans across North Central West Virginia. It connects veterans with home repair, benefits navigation, community, and a network of veteran-owned businesses, working to close the gap between what veterans are promised and what they actually receive. It operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Veterans Collaborative and is incorporated as a West Virginia nonprofit (EIN 93-2201732).
What does “850” mean?
The name comes from a hard fact of American history: after the Revolutionary War, more than 230,000 soldiers were promised pensions and benefits — but only 850 ever received what they were actually promised. The name is a permanent reminder that broken promises to veterans have deep roots, and that someone has to make sure veterans get what they earned.
Which counties and veterans does the 850 Committee serve?
The 850 Committee serves Preston, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Taylor, and Wood counties and the surrounding areas of North Central West Virginia — a region home to more than 21,000 veterans.
What programs does the 850 Committee offer?
Active programs include:
- Vetworks — home repair assistance from licensed contractors with 50+ years of combined experience.
- Vetexpress — benefits navigation, inquiry support, and paperwork assistance, growing into ride coordination and case management.
- Veteran Momentum — a community softball team (a fourth BOPARC season) and fitness programs for veterans.
- Veteran Business Directory — connecting the community to veteran-owned businesses across the service area.
- Network of Appreciation — local businesses that display the 850 logo and offer veteran discounts and considerations.
Programs in development include The Resale Shop, Vetspressions (art and creative expression), Vet Competitions, the Veteran Gun Club, and Vetevent (a veterans events hub).
How does a veteran get help from the 850 Committee?
Veterans can start by completing the Veteran Intake Survey or by reaching out through the Contact page. Tell the team what you need and they will connect you to the right program or resource.
Who founded the 850 Committee, and when?
The 850 Committee was founded in late 2022 by Shawn Cosner, a U.S. Army veteran from a family with more than 300 years of combined military service.
Is the 850 Committee a registered nonprofit, and how is it funded?
Yes. The 850 Committee is incorporated as a West Virginia nonprofit (EIN 93-2201732) and operates under the fiscal sponsorship of Veterans Collaborative. Support comes from donations, fundraising, and community partners. You can help through the Get Involved and Fundraising pages.
How can I support the 850 Committee?
You can donate, volunteer, list or patronize a veteran-owned business in the Veteran Business Directory, or join the Network of Appreciation as a business offering veteran considerations. Start on the Get Involved page.
Where can a veteran in crisis get immediate help?
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line now: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7. The 850 Committee’s programs are not a substitute for emergency care.
How do I contact the 850 Committee?
Reach the team through the Contact page. The 850 Committee serves North Central West Virginia and welcomes veterans, families, volunteers, donors, and business partners.
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