A new program to help veterans and active duty military members transition to post-deployment life launched in South Bend on Thursday, March 10.

South Bend is one of three cities in the nation where Vets’ Community Connections is launching.

Military members, veterans and military spouses can dial 311 and will be connected to a live volunteer who can help answer questions and guide them to resources.

That human connection is key to this program.

“One of the hardest things for veterans and their families to do when they come back home and come back to communities is to have the networks that ll of us take for granted, which provide you information that you can trust,” Doug Wilson, former assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, told 95.3 MNC. “It’s basically having networks of people who become friends and who are your neighbors to help you figure out what you need personally.”

The pilot program is also launching in San Diego and Maricopa, Ariz.

Any person or business interested in volunteering for the Vets’ Community Connections program can find out more information and register at the city of South Bend’s website.