RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT: The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans.

                                         


A chaplain, like any minister is always on the lookout for new resources. When helping people often the toughest parts is knowing where to start. When it comes to veterans who are homeless, or in danger of becoming homeless that does not need to be such a struggle !

24 hours a day, seven days a week the trained counselors at the VA's National Center for Homeless Veterans are standing by to connect veterans with a full range of programs designed to combat veteran homelessness. The Center at 1-877-424-3838 is a resource for  homeless veterans, those veterans in danger of homelessness, their families and those who serve them.  The Center can also be reached via online chat at, https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp.

When a veteran calls a trained VA staff member asks about the specifics of the need. Then they are connected to the nearest VA staff member who can help. When others call they are provided with  programs and services in their area designed to help. Family members and others who support them are provided contact information for the same services. In either case the call is free and confidential!

Examples of programs the center can expedite access to include, housing, employment assistance, health care and more. The type of assistance rendered depends on the specifics of the need. These can include cash assistance, actual housing or other benefits. The Center has access to all the VA's programs and services. However they can also connect callers with other resources through the agency's national network of community partners. 

Remember, help from the center is free and confidential. It is there for veterans and those who serve them 24 hours a day/7 days a week. It helps those in need access both VA and community-based programs and services.

People in crisis are often unaware of the full range of help out there. Often they don't even know where to start. A call to the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans, may just help keep a veteran off the street !





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