Veteran Resources

Question 1

What should I know about being homeless?

Accepted Answer

If you or a veteran you know is homeless, it can be difficult to come to terms with. This can lead to harmful behavior such as alcohol or drug problems. Homeless veterans may face additional difficulties such as feeling hopeless, being hungry, and having physical ailments. It's important to reach out for help right away as most homeless veterans may be dealing with health conditions that need attention.

“I had been successful, and then it felt like I lost all my energy. I just couldn’t keep my job anymore. The bills mounted up, I couldn’t keep up with the rent, and I got kicked out of my apartment.”
Some Veterans who are homeless may face additional difficulties, such as:
Feeling down on themselves and sense of hopeless
Being hungry, or not eating healthy foods
Getting sick with low energy more often
Having physical ailments and limitations
Being out in extreme heat and cold
Drinking alcohol or taking drugs to temporarily feel better
Most homeless Veterans may be dealing with health conditions that need attention, such as physical injury, problems with alcohol and drugs, depression, and post-traumatic stress. No matter what you or a Veteran you know may be going through while homeless, you may want to reach out for help right away.

Question 2

Getting started is simple

Accepted Answer

New to VA? Apply for health care benefits.

To prepare to apply for VA health care in person, by telephone, or by mail.
Not sure whether you are eligible for VA health care benefits? Read about eligibility for VA health care.
Unsure of what kind of help you need? Call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) to find the right resources to meet your needs, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 1-800-877-8339.
Veterans’ family members and caregivers can see whether they qualify for VA medical benefits as a spouse, surviving spouse, dependent child, or caregiver. Explore family and caregiver health benefits.
Every day, Veterans from all military service branches and era have been able to connect with proven resources and effective treatments.
Firstly, the one that’s right for you is to Read VA's latest coronavirus information. If you have flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, please call before you visit your local medical center or clinic. If you have an appointment, consider making it a telehealth appointment.

Question 3

Essential Resources for Homeless Veterans

Accepted Answer

As a veteran learn what you can do if you are homeless and experiencing specific conditions, such as alcohol or drug problems, stress and anxiety, relationship problems, post-traumatic stress, suicide and depression. The following resources are listed below to assist you if needed.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans ensures that homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk for homelessness have free, confidential, 24/7 access to trained counselors. Veterans and their families can connect with a trained VA staff member at 1-877-4AID-VET (877-424-3838).

Call Now Chat Now

Department of Veterans Affairs – Homeless Programs

This website provides information on VA’s programs and services for homeless Veterans.

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

NCHV is recognized as the nation’s leading authority on issues involving homeless Veterans. The NCHV website includes links to resources, employment assistance, and guides for homeless Veterans.

National Center for PTSD

This website provides information, resources, and practical advice for Veterans, their family and friends, and the public when dealing with trauma.

https://www.maketheconnection.net/events/homelessness/

Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless can call or visit their local VA Medical Center or Community Resource and Referral Center where VA staff are ready to help.

Veterans and their families may also call 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) to access VA services.

Explore www.va.gov/homeless to learn about VA programs for Veterans who are homeless and share that information with others.

Work with VA to prevent and end homelessness among Veterans in your community. Learn how you can help by visiting www.va.gov/homeless/stakeholders.asp.

Download posters, brochures, and other materials to reach out to Veterans and help VA end homelessness.

Question 4

Additional resources

Accepted Answer

Homebound Veterans and COVID-19
www.floridavets.org/homeboundveterans

Question 5

Crisis/Hotlines

Accepted Answer

National VA Homeless Hotline – 24 Hour
Toll Free at 1-877-424-3838
http://www.va.gov/homeless/

Veterans Crisis Line – 24 Hour
Toll Free at 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
www.mentalhealth.va.gov

Change Direction: Give An Hour Campaign – Know the Five Signs!
http://www.changedirection.org/give-an-hour/

Florida Veterans Support Line
1-844-MyFLVet (693-5838) or 2-1-1

Hope for Healing Florida
https://www.hopeforhealingfl.com/

The Recovery Village
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/treatment-program/online-counseling/telehealth-app/

VA Caregiver Support Line
1-855-260-3274
https://www.caregiver.va.gov

White House VA Hotline – non-emergency, VA inquiries
1-855-948-2311
https://www.va.gov/ve/whvahotline.asp

Question 6

COVID-19 Resources

Accepted Answer

COVID 19 Vaccine Questions
Ask A VA Doc About The Safety Of COVID-19 Vaccination

Homebound Veterans and COVID-19
www.floridavets.org/homeboundveterans

GI Bill – COVID-19 Fact Sheet
https://floridavets.org/wp-content/uploads/covid-19_Factsheet.pdf

VA Public Health
www.publichealth.va.gov/n-coronavirus/index.asp

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html

Florida Department of Corrections
www.dc.state.fl.us/comm/covid-19.html

Florida DEO Covid-19 Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide
http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-center/new-individual-faq-includes-cares-act-final.pdf?sfvrsn=5f2547b0_14

Florida Department of Health
https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) Recovery Bureau FAQ Website
https://fdemgrantsmanagement.force.com/fdemcovid

The Florida League of Cities
http://flcities.com/coronavirus-resources

SOF Missions – COVID-19 Care Kits
https://sofmissions.org/

If you have a VBA benefit debt and need temporary financial relief, please contact Debt Management Center at 1-800-827-0648 or visit their website https://www.va.gov/debtman/ to request assistance.