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 Virginia, from housing and health care to 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.
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.
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 Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) has benefits offices around the state. Find one near you on its website. DVS also runs Virginia Veteran and Family Support, which helps veterans and families with behavioral health, housing and other needs.
Sources: https://www.va.gov/homeless/ https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/
Your first steps, in order
- If you need housing, call 877.424.3838.
- If you're in crisis, dial 988 and press 1.
- Contact a DVS benefits office about benefits.
- Find your DD214.
- Dial 211 for other local help.
How can a DVS benefits office help?
DVS benefits offices help veterans and their families file VA benefits claims and learn about other services. Their help is offered at no cost.
Questions about which benefits fit you? Check the official page below.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I'm a veteran, and I need help with (housing, health care, a claim)."
"I'm in (town or county)."
"What should I bring?"
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. DVS 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 a DVS benefits office can help you with the steps.
Make copies
Once you have your DD214, make copies and take a photo of it. Keep them in a safe place.
Virginia Career Works and Virginia Employment Commission career centers offer job help for veterans. Ask about veteran services when you visit.
Papers that help
Say you're a veteran sleeping in your car in Hampton
You could call 877.424.3838 to ask about VA housing help. You could dial 211 for a bed tonight. You could call DVS about benefits, and apply for SNAP on CommonHelp.
Spouses, children and caregivers of veterans may also get support. DVS can tell you about benefits for survivors and dependents.
Ask what's available for your family.
You earned this help
Asking for help is part of taking care of yourself and your family.
What is Virginia Veteran and Family Support?
Virginia Veteran and Family Support is a DVS program for veterans, service members and their families. It can help with behavioral health, peer support, housing and connecting to services where you live.
Family members and caregivers can reach out too, not just the veteran. Find your regional team on the DVS website.
Questions about who it serves and how to start? Check the official page below.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/
Things that help when you reach out
Family can call too
If your veteran isn't ready to make the call, you can reach out for yourself and ask how to help.
How can families support a veteran who is struggling?
Caring for someone you love can be heavy. You don't have to carry it alone.
- Listen without rushing to fix things.
- Learn the signs of crisis. If you're worried about suicide, call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
- Help with small tasks, like rides to appointments or keeping papers in one place.
- Take care of yourself too. Ask DVS about support for families and caregivers.
Say your son came home from service and is having a hard time in Fredericksburg
You could reach out to the Virginia Veteran and Family Support team for your region. You could ask about peer support for him and support for you. You could save the Veterans Crisis Line in your phone, just in case.
Questions people ask a lot
What if I have an other than honorable discharge?
You may still get some help. Ask the VA or DVS.
Can my family get help too?
Some programs help families. Ask DVS.
How do I get help with a VA claim?
DVS benefits offices help veterans with VA benefits claims. Find an office at dvs.virginia.gov.
Is there a cost for DVS help?
No. DVS help is offered at no cost.
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.
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?"
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 211virginia.org any time, to look for other options near you.
Keep your papers safe
You're doing great
Asking for help, and asking again, takes strength. I'm cheering you on every step of the way.
Here is help that works across Virginia, then local help in the Richmond area and in Northern Virginia, then help for Hampton Roads and other areas. 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.
Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Virginia Department of Veterans Services
What it offers Help for Virginia veterans and their families with VA benefits claims, plus support through Virginia Veteran and Family Support, at offices around the state.
How to reach Find an office at https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/
Source https://www.dvs.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Career Works
What it offers Virginia's network of local job centers. Job search help, career coaching and training for people who qualify, at centers across the state.
How to reach Find a center at https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/ or dial 211.
Source https://www.virginiacareerworks.com/
Last checked October 22, 2026
211 Virginia
What it offers A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Virginia.
How to reach Dial 211, or search any time at https://211virginia.org/
Source https://211virginia.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
CommonHelp (Virginia benefits portal)
What it offers Virginia's online site to apply for SNAP (food benefits), TANF cash help, Medicaid, child care help and energy help, and to check your case.
How to reach Apply at https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/ Questions: call the Enterprise Call Center at 855.635.4370.
Source https://commonhelp.virginia.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Greater Richmond
Here are some places to start.
Greater Richmond Homeless Connection Line (Homeward)
What it offers The front door to shelter and homeless help for the City of Richmond and nearby counties. Call if you are homeless now or about to lose your place.
How to reach Call 804.972.0813.
Source https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Greater Richmond Housing Resource Line
What it offers Help for people in the Richmond area who are behind on rent or at risk of losing housing, with links to prevention programs when funds allow.
How to reach Call 804.422.5061.
Source https://homewardva.org/get-help/
Last checked October 22, 2026
City of Richmond Department of Social Services
What it offers Applications for SNAP, TANF, Medicaid and energy help for Richmond residents, plus emergency help and referrals.
How to reach Call 804.646.7212.
Source https://www.rva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Henrico County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Henrico County residents.
How to reach Call 804.501.4001.
Source https://henrico.gov/dss/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Northern Virginia
Here are some places to start.
Fairfax County Coordinated Services Planning
What it offers The first call for help with housing, food, financial help and other needs in Fairfax County.
How to reach Call 703.222.0880.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness
What it offers Fairfax County's homeless response, with shelter, outreach and housing programs.
How to reach Call 703.246.5000, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. TTY 711.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/homeless/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Fairfax County Department of Family Services
What it offers Benefits, child care help and family services for Fairfax County residents.
How to reach Call 703.324.7500, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. TTY 711.
Source https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Prince William County Department of Social Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Prince William County residents.
How to reach Call 703.792.7500 (TTY 711).
Source https://www.pwcva.gov/department/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hampton Roads and other areas
Every Virginia city and county has a local department of social services. If you don't live in the Richmond area or Northern Virginia, start with yours. Here are a few, plus help in Hampton Roads. Find any local office at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/localagency/ or dial 211.
Norfolk Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Norfolk residents.
How to reach Call 757.664.6000.
Source https://www.norfolk.gov/295/Human-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Beach Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Virginia Beach residents.
How to reach Call the customer call center at 757.385.4306.
Source https://hs.virginiabeach.gov/financial-assistance
Last checked October 22, 2026
Chesapeake Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Chesapeake residents.
How to reach Call 757.382.2000.
Source https://www.cityofchesapeake.net/358/Chesapeake-Social-Services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Lynchburg Department of Human Services
What it offers Benefits, emergency help and referrals for Lynchburg residents.
How to reach Call 434.455.5850.
Source https://www.lynchburgva.gov/social-services
Last checked October 22, 2026
Samaritan House (Virginia Beach)
What it offers Shelter and support in Hampton Roads for people affected by domestic violence, sexual violence or homelessness.
How to reach 24/7 hotline: call 757.430.2120. Office: 757.631.0710.
Source https://www.samaritanhouseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid Society of Eastern Virginia
What it offers Civil legal help for people who qualify in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
How to reach Call the Community Support Team at 757.827.5078.
Source https://www.laseva.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Virginia Community Action Partnership
What it offers Lists the Community Action Agencies across Virginia. Local agencies may help with emergency needs, job training, Head Start and other programs when funds allow.
How to reach Find your agency at https://vacap.org/ or dial 211.
Source https://vacap.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
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!
My next steps
Calls I made today
Key numbers to keep
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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