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Homelessness

Learn more about experiencing homelessness, treatment options, self-help tools, and resources available for homeless Veterans.

Being homeless, or at risk for homelessness, is one of the most difficult things anyone can face. Lacking the security of knowing where you’ll sleep at night, having no place to keep your belongings, and not being able to care for yourself and possibly your family can lead to stressanger, a sense of shame, depression, and physical discomfort. It can be hard to find employment, live a satisfying life, or do the things you want to do when you are homeless.

Many circumstances can lead to homelessness. Some Veterans become homeless due to a combination of housing shortages and high unemployment. Other Veterans may be dealing with painful memories from the military or health issues and have little access to health care or support from family and friends. This may lead them to feel as though they have nowhere to go but the streets. In some cases, what seems like a temporary lack of a place to stay becomes permanent. In other cases, Veterans who are homeless move from shelter to shelter because they don’t know where else to go.

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Like many others, you or a Veteran you know may have difficulty coming to terms with the thought “I am homeless.” You may become angry or hopeless and simply give up trying to find a home or stop taking care of yourself. Such despair can also lead to harmful behavior — such as alcohol or drug problems — as a means of coping with your feelings.

“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:

Some homeless Veterans may be dealing with health conditions that need attention, such as physical injuryproblems with alcohol and drugsdepression, and posttraumatic 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.

All Veterans at risk for homelessness or attempting to exit homelessness, and their families and friends, can access a variety of resources and benefits, such as prevention services, housing support, job training, and health care. The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans provides a hotline and online chat for free, confidential assistance. Trained VA staff are on call and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to assist homeless Veterans and their families at 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838).
www.va.gov/homeless/nationalcallcenter.asp

“I went to a Stand Down thinking I would just get some clothes and new glasses. I ended up talking to someone who helped me work out my legal problems.”

Veterans and their family or friends can also contact the VA Homeless Coordinator at their nearest VA Medical Center for information or assistance.

Homelessness is complicated and difficult to overcome, but there are things you can do right now:

  • Make a list of your most immediate needs.
  • Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans for support and resources.
  • Find a place where you can receive mail, like a shelter, place of worship, or VA regional office or clinic.
  • Make sure you have copies of personal records, such as your birth certificate, your Social Security card, a photo ID, and your DD214.
  • Eat healthy foods when possible.
  • Avoid “easy outs” like alcohol and drugs.

Every day, Veterans from all military service branches and eras connect with proven resources and effective treatments. Here’s how to take the next step: the one that’s right for you.

New to VA? Apply for health care benefits.

Already enrolled in VA and interested in mental health support? Schedule a mental health appointment.

  • If you’re already enrolled and using VA health care, the fastest way to schedule VA appointments is to call the VA facility where you want to receive care.
  • With VA Appointments tools, you can schedule some VA health care appointments online, view details about upcoming appointments, and organize your health care calendar.
  • If you’re not using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs.

What about other options at VA? VA offers a variety of tools and resources.  

  • The Veteran Training online self-help portal for overcoming everyday challenges includes modules on managing anger, developing parenting and problem-solving skills, and more.
  • Mental health apps for Veterans cover a variety of topics, ranging from PTSD to anger management to quitting smoking.
  • VA TeleMental Health connects you with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device in your home or at your nearest VA health facility. You can learn more about this option from your local VA medical center.
  • Community-based Vet Centers provide confidential counseling, community engagement and referral services to eligible individuals and their families. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or have a service connection to receive services. Find a Vet Center near you or call 1-877-927-8387, 24/7 to talk with a fellow Veteran about your experiences.
  • VA residential rehabilitation treatment, sometimes referred to as inpatient residential or domiciliary care, provides comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services to Veterans with mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and substance use disorder. 

What about support outside of VA?

FindTreatment.gov and the National Resource Directory list programs outside of VA. Use these tools to find resources near you

Learn more about what you can do if you are experiencing specific concerns related to homelessness, such as alcohol or drug problemsstress and anxietyrelationship problemsposttraumatic stress, and depression.

Read Next

Managing PTSD

PTSD may develop as a result of traumatic events. Treatment works and can help you deal with PTSD symptoms.

Coping with Depression

Depression can interfere with relationships, work and the ability to get through the day and it can affect Veterans from all walks of life. Treatment works and can help you deal with depression symptoms.

Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Relationship problems can make it difficult to enjoy life – for you and for those you care about. There are effective resources available to help Veterans improve and strengthen their relationships.

Additional Resources

Vet Center logo

Vet Center

Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers across the nation in all 50 states and US territories that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including counseling to eligible Veterans, service members - including National Guard and Reserve components – and their families. Counselors and outreach specialists, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief, and transition after trauma. To learn more, find your nearest Vet Center. Teams are also available 24/7 by phone at 1-877-927-8387.

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Veterans Crisis Line logo

Veterans Crisis Line

Are you a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one? Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Free support is confidential and available 24/7. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat here or text 838255. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: Dial 711 then dial 988.

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Self-Help Tools logo

Self-Help Tools

Veterans can access online courses that provide instruction and training in problem-solving, parenting, anger management, sleeping better, managing stress and more.

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