Help for Veterans in Arizona

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, and thank you for your service. If things are hard right now, there is help made just for veterans and their families in Arizona, from housing and health care to benefits and jobs.

If you're a veteran who is homeless or at risk, call the VA at 877.424.3838, any time. In crisis? Dial 988 and press 1.

Homeless vets877.424.3838.

988

Crisis LineDial 988, press 1.

ADVS

Arizona vetsdvs.az.gov.

Be Connected866.429.8387.

Bunkly tip: Bunkly says hi and explains how this guide works (0:25). Tap play for sound. Captions included.

A few things to know

You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a bed, money or a spot in any program.
Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

Where do I start?

If you're homeless or about to be, call the VA's National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877.424.3838. It's open 24/7.

They can connect you with VA housing help near you.

For VA benefits claims and other services, the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS) has offices around the state. Find one near you at dvs.az.gov.

Sources: https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Your first steps, in order

If you're in crisis, dial 988 and press 1.
If you need housing, call 877.424.3838.
Find your DD214 or ask how to get a copy.
Contact ADVS or a VA office about benefits.
Call Be Connected for help finding other support.

What is Be Connected?

Be Connected, from the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, offers support and help finding resources for service members, veterans, their families and those who support them. Call 866.429.8387.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

What to say when you call

"Hi. I'm a veteran. I served in (branch) from (year) to (year)."

"I need help with (housing, health care, benefits)."

"I'm in (town or county)."

"What should I do first?"

How do I get VA health care?

Many veterans can get health care from the VA. Apply online, by phone, or at a VA medical center.

If you're not sure you qualify, apply anyway and ask. ADVS staff can help.

What if I don't have my DD214?

Your DD214 shows your service. You can ask for a copy from the National Archives, and an ADVS office can help you with the steps.

BUNKLY TIP

Make copies

Once you have your DD214, make a few copies and keep a photo of it on your phone.

What about jobs for veterans?

ARIZONA@WORK offices offer job help for veterans. In Tucson, there's the Kino Veterans' Workforce Center.

Ask your nearest office.

EXAMPLE

Say you're a veteran sleeping in your car in Mesa

You could call 877.424.3838 to ask about VA housing help. You could ask about the Human Services Campus in Phoenix for a bed tonight. You could call Be Connected for more support, and apply for Nutrition Assistance on HEAplus.

What about help for families of veterans?

Spouses, children and caregivers of veterans may also get support. Be Connected helps families find resources, and ADVS can tell you about benefits for survivors and dependents.

Ask what's available for your family.

BUNKLY TIP

You earned this help

Asking for help is not taking from anyone. These programs exist for you.

Questions people ask a lot

What if I have an other than honorable discharge?

You may still get some help. Ask the VA or ADVS.

Can my family get help too?

Some programs help families. Ask Be Connected or ADVS.

How do I get help with a VA claim?

ADVS offices help veterans with VA benefits claims. Find one at dvs.az.gov.

What if I'm not sure I qualify?

Call and ask. Let them help you figure it out.

Where can I get help tonight?

Call 877.424.3838, or dial 211.

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.

SAY IT LIKE THIS

If you get put on hold or cut off

"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."

"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"

"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"

BUNKLY TIP

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 turns you down, read the letter right away. It explains how to ask for a review. Call legal aid if you want help.
Dial 211, or search 211arizona.org any time, to look for other options near you.

Keep your papers safe

Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag.
Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email.
Keep a short list of your case numbers and who you talked to.
Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.

BUNKLY TIP

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 Arizona, then local help in Maricopa County (Phoenix) and Pima County (Tucson), then help for other counties. Call ahead for hours.

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

What it offers Private, no cost calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.

How to reach Call 877.424.3838. Live chat is linked from https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Veterans Crisis Line

What it offers Private, no cost support 24/7 for Veterans in crisis and the people who care about them. Many responders are Veterans themselves.

How to reach Dial 988, then press 1. Text 838255. TTY: dial 711, then 988. Chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Source https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Last checked October 22, 2026

VA homeless programs

What it offers VA programs include HUD VASH (permanent supportive housing), Supportive Services for Veteran Families (homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing), Grant and Per Diem (transitional housing), Health Care for Homeless Veterans, employment help and legal services for Veterans who are homeless or at risk.

How to reach Start with the National Call Center at 877.424.3838. Online: https://www.va.gov/homeless/

Source https://department.va.gov/homeless/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Arizona

Here are some places to start.

Arizona Department of Veterans' Services (ADVS)

What it offers Help for Arizona veterans and their families with VA benefits claims and other services, at offices around the state.

How to reach Find an office near you at https://dvs.az.gov/ Main office: 1688 W. Adams St., Phoenix.

Source https://dvs.az.gov/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Be Connected (Arizona Coalition for Military Families)

What it offers Support and help finding resources for service members, veterans, their families and those who support them.

How to reach Call 866.429.8387.

Source https://www.azahcccs.gov/BehavioralHealth/crisis.html

Last checked October 22, 2026

ARIZONA@WORK

What it offers Arizona's job center network. Job search help, career coaching, resume help, training and hiring events, at offices across the state.

How to reach Find your local office at https://arizonaatwork.com/ or dial 211.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/

Last checked October 22, 2026

211 Arizona

What it offers Private, no cost help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care, transportation and more. Specialists answer from 9 am to 7 pm, every day, in English and Spanish, with interpreters for other languages.

How to reach Dial 211, or call 877.211.8661 from anywhere. For Relay, dial 711 or 800.367.8939. Search at https://211arizona.org/

Source https://211arizona.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus)

What it offers Arizona's online application for Nutrition Assistance (Arizona's name for SNAP), Cash Assistance and Medical Assistance (AHCCCS). You can apply for all three at once.

How to reach Apply at https://www.healthearizonaplus.gov/ For help, call DES at 855.432.7587.

Source https://des.az.gov/contact-us

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Maricopa County (Phoenix)

Here are some places to start.

Keys to Change (Human Services Campus)

What it offers A campus in downtown Phoenix where many groups work together to help adults who are homeless, with shelter intake, meals, mail and more. Open 24/7.

How to reach Go to 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, or call 602.282.0853.

Source https://hsc-az.org/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)

What it offers Emergency shelter and help finding housing for adults, plus Vista Colina for families and The Haven for adults 55 and older. Adults 18 and older start intake at the Human Services Campus. Families start by calling 211 for the Family Housing Hub.

How to reach Call 602.256.6945. TTY: 800.367.8939. Office: 230 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix.

Source https://www.cassaz.org/get-help

Last checked October 22, 2026

ARIZONA@WORK West Valley

What it offers Job search help, career coaching and training for job seekers in the West Valley.

How to reach Call 602.372.4200. Office: 4425 W. Olive Ave., Suite 190, Glendale.

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Pima County (Tucson)

Here are some places to start.

ARIZONA@WORK Pima County

What it offers Job help in Tucson: the One-Stop at Rio Nuevo, 1010 W. Miracle Mile, 520.724.7650. The Youth Employment Center, 175 W. Irvington Rd., 520.724.9640. The Kino Veterans' Workforce Center, 2801 E. Ajo Way, 520.724.2646.

How to reach Call the office closest to you, or visit https://arizonaatwork.com/

Source https://arizonaatwork.com/locations

Last checked October 22, 2026

Primavera Foundation

What it offers Shelter, housing help and a resource center for people who are homeless in Tucson.

How to reach Call 520.623.5111 for emergency services. Walk in at 702 S. 6th Ave., Tucson, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Source https://primavera.org/contact/

Last checked October 22, 2026

Other local groups may also help.

Other counties (call your Community Action Agency)

Every Arizona county has a Community Action Agency that can help with utility bills, rent, deposits and emergency shelter when funds allow. If you don't live in Maricopa or Pima County, start here. Phone lines get busy, so keep trying, or dial 211.