Emergency Assistance & Resources for Veterans
At Veteran Saves, we understand that many Americans are struggling financially to cover the basics like rent, utilities, and food in our current economic times. Whether you are a Veteran struggling or you’re looking to support Veterans, here’s a list of organizations and resources that offer assistance to those in need.
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Emergency Assistance & Crisis Support
Veterans Crisis Line offers 24/7, confidential crisis support to veterans and their loved ones, regardless of VA benefit status. Dial 9-8-8, then Press 1 or Text 838255 to connect with a real person who is qualified to offer support.
Call 2-1-1 to find local agencies and community organizations that offer emergency housing, food, utility, employment and crisis assistance. 211 is free and provides access to local community services and resources in many locations across the country.
Operation Homefront helps veterans with service-connected disabilities who are in critical need of financial assistance with overdue bills, home repairs, rent, and food. You can see if you are eligible for assistance here or by calling 1-877-264-3968.
Coalition to Support America’s Heroes provides post-9/11 disabled Veterans with emergency financial aid and support services to cover living expenses, housing, and auto repairs. You must complete an online application to see if you are eligible for assistance.
USA Cares works to improve the quality of life of Veterans and assists those that are facing temporary financial hardships by assisting with paying essential bills. You can request assistance on their website.
Operation First Response offers rent, utilities, groceries, and clothing support as well as transportation expenses to and from major medical facilities to Veterans and their families who are experiencing financial hardships. For information on applying, visit their website or call 888-289-0280.
Housing Assistance
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to ending Veteran homelessness and works with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to offer programs for housing vouchers for Veterans in need of permanent housing.
The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans helps Veterans in need of immediate assistance to avoid eviction or loss of housing. Trained VA counselors are on hand 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help. You can reach them at 1-877-4AID VET or (877) 424-3838.
Veterans Matter helps house homeless veterans and their families who qualify for VA/HUD-VASH housing vouchers. It is a nationwide program that works to help veterans find housing quickly by helping with rental deposits and first month’s rent. You can reach them by calling (567) 698-7838.
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) provides emergency and supportive housing along with food, health services, job training, and placement assistance. Their website also offers a searchable database that you can use to find organizations in your state that provide services. You can reach them by calling 1-800-VET-HELP or 1-800-838-4357.
You can find additional resources in your area by searching the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s Federal Rental Assistance webpage. There you can find out what assistance is available, what it covers, how it works, and who is eligible.
Food Assistance
USDA Food and Nutrition Service provides around 1.1 million veterans with food assistance each year through SNAP, WIC and food distribution programs. Veterans in need of emergency food assistance must apply online or at their local office. You can search and get more information on each of the specific services on the FNS’s state contact page. The USDA National Hunger Hotline is also available Monday -Friday, 7am – 10pm EST for assistance. You can reach them by calling 1-866-3HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).
Feed Our Vets is a non-profit organization with a mission to help Veterans in the U.S. and their families who are experiencing food insecurity and hunger. They assist those in need through community food pantries and a gift card program. You can apply for assistance on their website.
FoodPantries.org is an online directory that can be used to find local pantries, soup kitchens, food banks and other help from subsidized grocery resources.
In need of other resources? The National Resource Directory is a database of validated organizations that supports veterans, their families, and caregivers.
Want to be more prepared for the unexpected? Take the Veteran Saves Pledge and choose Emergency Fund as your savings goal. We’ll be there to support you along with ways by sending you emails and texts full of information, advice, tips, and reminders to help you reach your goals.