Veterans

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. Thank you for your service. If you're a veteran and things are hard, I'm really glad you picked this up. North Carolina and the VA have help for housing, health care and benefits.

Here is the easy first step: if you're homeless or about to be, call the VA at 877.424.3838, any time. For North Carolina benefits, call NC DMVA at 844.624.8387. We'll walk through the rest together.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each program decides who it can serve. We can't promise a benefit or a spot in any program.
• You may qualify for help even if you didn't serve in combat or don't get VA health care now.

What if I'm homeless or about to be?

Call the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838, any time, day or night. You'll talk to a trained VA counselor who can connect you with help near you.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://department.va.gov/homeless/

What does NC DMVA do?

The NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has benefits specialists in 12 Veterans Service Centers around the state. They help veterans and families with benefits and claims, and work with county veterans service officers.

Call 844.624.8387, or find your center at milvets.nc.gov.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.milvets.nc.gov/

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Ask for a Veteran Service Officer

A Veteran Service Officer can help you file claims and find your papers. Ask for one by name.

What if I'm in crisis?

Call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255. It's there 24 hours a day, and you don't have to be enrolled in VA care.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Where can I get VA health care?

The VA runs medical centers and clinics across North Carolina. You can find the nearest one with the VA's location finder at va.gov.

Ask about mental health care and help for veterans who are homeless.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Can I get other help too?

Yes. Veterans can also apply for Food and Nutrition Services, Work First and Medicaid on ePASS.

NCWorks Career Centers have special programs for veterans.

Questions people ask a lot

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You served, and you matter

Reaching out for help is a strong thing to do. There are people who want to help you.

How do I make the most of each call?

Calling for help can feel like a lot. A little planning makes each call easier, and you'll get further, faster.

• Call early in the day if you can. It leaves time to follow up the same day.
• Have a pen, paper and your papers close by before you call.
• Say what you need in one or two sentences first. Then answer their questions.
• Ask, "Is there anything else I should apply for?" One call can open more doors.
• Before you hang up, ask who you talked to and what happens next.
• Write it all down in your call log at the back of this guide.

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Keep going, friend

If one place can't help, ask them who can. Each call gets you closer.

What if I'm told no, or put on a waitlist?

A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space, and things change from week to week.

• Ask why. Knowing the reason helps you know what to try next.
• Ask, "Who else could help with this?" Write down every name and number they share.
• If you're on a waitlist, ask how long it usually takes and how you'll hear from them. Ask how often you should check in.
• Keep your phone number and address up to date with every program, so you don't miss a call or letter.
• If a state agency denies you, the letter should tell you how to ask for a hearing and the deadline. Read it right away, and call legal aid if you need help.
• Dial 211 any time to look for other options near you.

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You're doing great

Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.

Who can I call in my county?

Here is help that works across North Carolina, then veteran help in the biggest counties, then a county DSS list for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

North Carolina

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Mecklenburg County (Charlotte)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Wake County (Raleigh)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your county DSS)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My veteran plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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You're doing the right thing

Asking for help is a strong thing to do, my friend. You don't need to have it all figured out before you call. Take it one step at a time, and call again tomorrow if you need to.

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 22, 2026