Housing and Homelessness
VASH Program - The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.
SSVF - Under the SSVF program, VA awards grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives who can provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, which may include: Health care services - Daily living services - Personal financial planning services - Transportation services - Fiduciary and payee services - Legal services - Child care services - Housing counseling services. In addition, grantees may also provide time-limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies, and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veteran families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis. List of SSVF Providers by State (Excel Doc)
Homeless Veteran Stand Downs - Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events providing supplies and services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling to homeless Veterans. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment and mental health counseling. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers.
PATH (California) – PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) provides the support homeless Veterans need to successfully transition from living on the street to thriving in homes of their own. High quality supportive services are critical to ensuring the people we serve are able to not only move into permanent homes, but stay in those homes long-term.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans - The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless Veterans each year.
Employment
VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Home - Veterans may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
VA Employment Programs for Homeless Veterans - VA’s Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program is a national vocational program comprised of three unique programs which assist homeless Veterans in returning to competitive employment: Sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in CWT are paid at least the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
American Job Centers - America’s Service Locator connects individuals to employment and training opportunities available at local American Job Centers. The website provides contact information for a range of local work-related services, including unemployment benefits, career development, and educational opportunities.
National Veterans Foundation Job Board – A listing of jobs across the country at companies interesting in hiring Veterans
Work for Warriors (Guard and Reserve) - Job Postings & Unit Vacancies. The California Military Department is a diverse, community-based organization comprised of four pillars: the California Army National Guard, the California Air National Guard, the California State Military Reserve and the California Youth and Community Programs.
Small Business (SBA Veteran & Disabled Veterans) - If you are a Veteran or service-disabled Veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business.
Health
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – Valor Program - The program provides specialty services to our Veterans through the Veterans and Loved Ones Recovery (VALOR) program.
VA Care Providers Program – For Caregivers of Veterans. "VA values your commitment as a partner in our pledge to care for those who have "borne the battle," and we have several support and service options designed with you in mind. The programs are available both in and out of your home to help you care for the Veteran you love and for yourself.”
Addiction
SAMHSA - The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities. SAMHSA leads efforts to ensure that American servicemen and women and their families can access behavioral health treatment and services. For Addiction Support 24/7 Call SAMHSA: 800-662-4357 (HELP).
AddictionResource - Veterans and Substance Abuse: The Many Sides of the Problem - Addiction Resource was founded in 2014 to provide a community for those recovering from addiction and to help patients find the highest quality care for a successful recovery. Their goal is to provide resources to help patients and their loved ones so that they may stay on the road to recovery, and can successfully overcome addiction for life.
Social Support
QL+ Quality of Life+ -- Greater independence for injured and ill veterans and first responders to overcome daily challenges and get back to the activities they love. Program Overview and Flyer
The Mission Continues – "The Mission Continues empowers Veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy Veterans in their communities, so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service. Through the Mission Continues, Veterans serve their country in new ways by engaging in our innovative and action-oriented programs. The first, The Mission Continues’ Fellowship, harnesses Veterans’ strengths, skills, and their compassion and empowers them to volunteer with non-profit organizations in their community on a daily basis. The second, The Mission Continues’ Service Platoons, brings teams of Veterans who are working together with partners at the local level to build stronger communities and tackle pressing issues.”
Team Red, White, and Blue – "Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s Veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.”
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) – "Founded in 2004 by an Iraq Veteran at a time when there were little to no resources available for post-9/11 vets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has quickly become the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing new Veterans and their families. Now, with nearly 300,000 Veterans and civilian supporters nationwide, IAVA is the only 21st Century Veterans’ service organization (VSO) dedicated to standing with the 2.8 million Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from their first day home through the rest of their lives.”
Make the Connection – an online resource designed to connect Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their lives.
Team Rubicon – "Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military Veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.”
Student Veterans of America – Mission: "To provide military Veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.”
American Legions – "Focusing on service to Veterans, servicemembers and communities, The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.”
VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars USA – Mission: "To foster camaraderie among United States Veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our Veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all Veterans.”
Feed Our Vets - Since 2008, Feed Our Vets has provided free food assistance to more than 20,000 Veterans and their family members, distributing 445,000 lbs. of food. Feed Our Vets mission is to help Veterans in the United States, their spouses and children, whose circumstances have left them on the battlefield of hunger,
Next Step Service Dogs - Mission: "to empower positive change for Veterans with invisible disabilities such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) through the use of expertly-trained service dogs."
Veterans Moving Forward - They provide service dogs to Veterans with physical and behavioral health concerns.
Veterans Legal Institute - "Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) seeks to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless and low income current and former service members so as to eradicate barriers to housing, education, employment and healthcare and foster self-sufficiency.”
National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP) - "The NVLSP is a nonprofit organization that has worked since 1980 to ensure that the government delivers to our nation's 25 million Veterans and active duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.”
Transportation
Recycled Rides™ - a military/Veteran support program designed to help ease the transportation burden for current military and veterans. They provide refurbished vehicles to deserving recipients. Their technicians restore these vehicles to proper driving condition.
If you have a specific question or situation not addressed by the above resources please call the Lifeline for Vets at 888-777-4443.
