Additional Resources for Veterans
The Veterans' Place is proud to promote the services of other organizations and agencies whose missions overlap with ours.
Caring.com
The role of emergency housing is crucial in preventing the spiraling of further economic and health hardship that can impact someone if they become homeless. Emergency housing may be temporary, but it gives someone the immediate ability to remain housed and safely sheltered.
Caring.com, a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support, has created an Emergency Housing Guide that includes a section specifically for Veterans.
Each listing includes contact information, a brief description of services, and in some cases, eligibility requirements. Those facing homelessness are encouraged to contact programs in their area for more information and access to any resources and support to help them remain safely housed.
Josh’s House VT is a wellness and recreational center located in the old Fort Ethan Allen in Colchester that is open to all current and former and service members. In addition to spaces for relaxation, socialization, and recreation, we offer healing modalities such as massage, Reiki, yoga, integrative health and wellness coaching, healing touch, acupuncture and more. To learn more about what treatments are available and when, call (802) 495-5915.
Visit our website to learn more about our many services, events, and amenities.
MemoryCare.com provides free informational resources to help seniors, veterans, and their loved ones make informed decisions about senior care benefits. A study conducted by National Institutes of Health found that veterans are twice as likely to develop dementia. Aside from the normal aging process, traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder make veterans more vulnerable to dementia than the general population. Here is a helpful resource guide that goes over dementia in detail and shares treatment options as well as available VA programs and resources.
Homeless Veteran Programs
WRJ VAMC
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) comprises 3 departments:
-
Health-VA operates the nation's largest integrated health care system, with more than 1,700 hospitals, clinics, community living centers, domiciliary, readjustment counseling centers, and other facilities.
-
Benefits-VA administers a variety of benefits and services that provide financial and other forms of assistance.
-
Cemetery-VA operates 136 national cemeteries in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
*Eligibility to receive services within any branch of the VA varies and many times can be situation or program specific. (Scroll down to see longer explanation.)
Help for Homeless Veterans in Vermont
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has a homeless coordinator that works out of the WRJ VA Medical Center. She travels the state to assist homeless veterans, and is also a great resource for shelters.
-
WRJ VA Medical Center Homeless Coordinator - (802) 295-9363 Ext. 6939
Emergency Shelter
The best way to find emergency shelter is by contacting Vermont 211. You can do this by dialing 2-1-1 toll-free from any phone. You can also visit the Vermont 211 website. Here’s how to find the list on their website to find an updated list of shelters. At the bottom of the page is a list of shelters.
-
Click on the “Search the 211 Network of Services” link on the right of the page
-
Click the “See a List of Services by Category” button
-
Click the “Basic Needs” link at the top of the list
-
Click the “+” next to the “Housing - Emergency Shelter/Transitional Housing” option
-
Select the Emergency Shelter Description that best suits your situation.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Supportive Services for Veteran Families is a VA grant-funded program that provides wrap around services to eligible Veterans. It serves low and very low-income Veterans. SSVF utilizes a Veteran choice, Rapid Re-Housing model and in some cases can provide homeless prevention assistance. There are 2 SSVF providers in Vermont (SSVF @ UVM and Veterans Inc. SSVF). There are income limits (50% AMI or below) for this service. Active-Duty Veterans with as little as one day of service may be eligible for services. Veterans do not have to be VA healthcare eligible to qualify. Veterans are not required to complete the eligibility steps within the VA to be served in this program. Program enrollment is determined by the SSVF program. For help, please visit https://ssvf-uvm.com
Veterans Inc. Supportive Services
The Veterans Inc. Supportive Services for Veterans and Veteran Families Program helps individuals and families who are homeless or at risk. If you meet the basic eligibility requirements, Veterans Inc. provides direct services and financial assistance to help search for housing, assist with initial rent costs, and pay for certain bills related to back rent or utilities. If you are a veteran in need of services, please call 800-482-2565 or email info@veteransinc.com
Contracted Emergency Residential Services (CERS)
Contracted Emergency Residential Services pairs emergency shelter beds with ongoing case management services. CERS is administered by the VA in partnership with 1 homeless service provider agency (Open Door Mission-Rutland). There are no income limits for this service. Active-Duty Veterans with as little as one day of service may be eligible for services. Veterans must be VA healthcare eligible to qualify or be referred. Veterans must complete the eligibility steps within the VA to be served in this program. Program enrollment is determined by the CERS program.
Open Door Mission
31 Park Street, Rutland, VT 05701
(802) 775-5661
Vermont Veterans and Family Outreach
The Vermont Veterans and Family Outreach Program was created in 2007 to help veterans and their families obtain the benefits they’ve earned through their service. Everyone on the outreach team has served in the military, and almost all of them have served in combat. They have a 24-hour resource line for crisis situations, and they operate in 12 different locations across the state. We recommend you call the nearest outreach team member to get started.
24-Hour Resource Line for Crisis Situations - (888) 607-8773
Outreach Coordinator – Andre Wing
andre.d.wing.ctr@army.mil 802 338 3022 (o) 802 881 5057 (c)
VA Liaison – Gene Hitchcock -
eugene.hitchcock.ctr@army.mil 802 338 4321 (o) 802 399 6024 (c)
VA Health Care in Vermont
Vermont veterans can access medical care through the VA, provided at the White River Junction VA Medical Center, five Community Based Outpatient Clinics, and two Vet Centers. For information on these health care facilities, to find a location that is best for you, and to learn how to enroll in VA health care, visit:
https://www.va.gov/white-river-junction-health-care/
Vet Centers
Similar to Josh’s House, Vermont’s Vet Centers offer confidential help for veterans, service members (including the National Guard), and their families in a non-medical setting and AT NO COST. Their services include counseling for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), as well as community building activities like yoga, fly tying, and music lessons. Vet Centers can also connect you with more support in the VA and in your community. Contact your local vet center to learn more about their programs:
Vermont VA Vet Center Locations
Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports
Vermont Adaptive is an organization that empowers people of all abilities through inclusive sports and recreational programming, regardless of ability to pay. In addition to sports, year-round programming options integrate environmental, holistic wellness, and competitive training philosophies for people of all ages with cognitive, developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities. Many of their programs include environmental education, wellness, and special programs designed specifically for veterans. Learn more here, and read a 2022 Bernie Buzz story on Vermont Adaptive here.
Vermont Veterans and Family Outreach
The Vermont Veterans and Family Outreach Program was created in 2007 through funding secured by Senator Sanders to help veterans and their families obtain the benefits they’ve earned through their service. Everyone on the outreach team has served in the military. They have a 24-hour resource line for crisis situations, and they operate in 12 different locations across the state. The members of the outreach team are experts at identifying potential needs and referring veterans and families to the appropriate service providers.
Learn more here
State of Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs
This site contains information to help you understand what benefits and services are available for Vermont veterans. The site consolidates information from numerous federal, state, and private organizations in order to make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. One of the office’s most important functions is helping veterans apply for federal disability benefits and helping survivors apply for survivor benefits. Learn more here https://veterans.vermont.gov or by calling (802) 828-3379.
Veterans Legal Assistance Project of Vermont (VLAP)
VLAP was established at Vermont Law School in 2014 to provide free legal assistance to Vermont’s military veteran population. Learn more here: https://www.vermontlaw.edu/academics/clinics-and-externships/south-royalton-legal-clinic/projects/vlap
Transitioning to Civilian Life
About 250,000 service members transition to civilian life each year. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) provides information, resources, and tools to service members and their loved ones to help them prepare for the move from military to civilian life. Service members begin TAP one year prior to separation, or two years prior to retiring. Learn more about TAP and how it can benefit you here: https://www.benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp
Important Hotlines for Veterans
MyVA411 is a national, toll-free number that serves as a “front door” to the VA. Call MyVA411 at 1-844-698-2411 to get information on VA health care, benefits, and services, from COVID-19 and the MISSION Act to health care eligibility and enrollment, disability compensation, education programs, caregiver support, insurance, and payment options. Calls during business hours will be referred to a VA specialist best able to assist. If you are a veteran, family member, or loved one in crisis, and need assistance, you can also call the Veterans Crisis Hotline by dialing 988 then press 1, or text 838255. The crisis hotline is open 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week.
-
MyVA411: 1-844-698-2411
-
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then press 1, or text 838255
*VA Elegibility Guidelines
Eligibility to receive services within any branch of the VA varies and many times can be situation or program specific. The White River Junction VA Medical Center (WRJ VAMC) is responsible for the delivery of health care services to eligible Veterans in Vermont and the 4 contiguous counties of New Hampshire. These services are delivered at the Medical Center's main campus located in White River Junction, Vermont, and at its 7 Outpatient Clinics (Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Newport, and Rutland, Vermont and Keene and Littleton, New Hampshire). A 1010EZ and DD214 are required to enroll in VHA care. WRJ VAMC Eligibility staff will determine which types of VHA care can be accessed.
For all services, a Veteran is defined as:
• A person who served at least 1 day in the active US military, US naval, US air, or US space service AND
• Was discharged or released therefrom, excluding receiving a dishonorable discharge or a discharge or dismissal by reason of a general court-martial (38 USC § 2002 (b))