VHV helps veterans find the right resource for housing, shelter, food, clothing, legal help, mental health, employment, and long-term independence. Browse by category below, federal programs are nationwide, Florida programs serve state residents, and Tampa Bay listings are in your backyard.
Housing crisis: Call 877-424-3838 (VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans), free, confidential, 24/7.
Local Tampa Bay referrals: Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211, free, 24/7.
Veterans Crisis Line: Call or text 988, press 1, for mental health emergencies.
Emergency: Call 911
Federal programs, VA housing assistance, transitional housing, emergency shelter, and homeownership pathways for veterans.
VA Homeless Programs connects veterans who are homeless or at risk to VA staff, local housing partners, and stabilization support, available 24/7 at no cost.
HUD-VASH combines HUD rental assistance vouchers with VA case management for eligible veterans experiencing homelessness, the primary federal permanent housing program for vets.
SSVF funds community providers to support rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention for eligible veteran households at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
The VA's housing assistance hub covers all programs: home loans, grants for disabled veterans, adaptive housing, and homeless services, a useful starting point for any housing question.
VA's Grant and Per Diem program funds community organizations to provide transitional housing and supportive services for veterans who are homeless, helping them move toward permanent housing.
FARR certifies recovery residences across Florida. Certified homes provide structured, sober living environments for veterans in substance use recovery, a key step before independent housing.
VOA Florida operates veteran transitional housing, substance use recovery, and reentry programs in the Tampa Bay area, serving veterans facing homelessness, addiction, and reintegration challenges.
Metropolitan Ministries provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, food, financial counseling, and case management to struggling individuals and families across Tampa Bay, open to veterans.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation funds down payment assistance, first-time homebuyer loans, and affordable rental housing programs for income-eligible Florida residents including veterans.
Food banks, meal programs, SNAP benefits, and veteran-specific food pantries across Tampa Bay and Florida.
Feeding Tampa Bay distributes food across the region through hundreds of pantry partner sites, mobile distributions, and community events. Veterans and all residents can find nearby food access points online.
Metropolitan Ministries operates food distribution programs and serves hot meals to people in need across the Tampa Bay area, walk-in services available at multiple locations.
Florida DCF ACCESS provides SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) grocery benefits to eligible low-income Floridians, including many veterans who may qualify based on income.
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg operates food pantries across the region serving individuals and families regardless of faith background. Identification and proof of address may be required; call ahead.
The Salvation Army Tampa Bay provides emergency food boxes, hot meals, and holiday food programs for individuals and families across the region, including veterans in need.
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritious meals directly to homebound veterans and seniors in Hillsborough County who are unable to shop or cook for themselves due to disability, age, or illness.
Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to reach trained specialists who can locate the nearest food pantry, hot meal program, or SNAP application site to you, free, 24/7.
SSVF grantees can provide emergency financial assistance for food to eligible veteran households at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Contact your local SSVF provider for availability.
Free clothing, work attire, and basic needs resources for veterans in the Tampa Bay area and statewide. Always call ahead to confirm hours, intake process, and available inventory.
Metropolitan Ministries provides clothing assistance as part of their emergency services program in Tampa Bay. Walk-in and appointment-based access available; call for current hours and what to bring.
The Salvation Army Tampa Bay offers emergency clothing assistance for those in crisis, and deeply discounted clothing through Family Thrift Stores. Veterans may qualify for vouchers through the emergency assistance program.
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg connects individuals in need to clothing and basic needs resources through their network of parish-based programs and direct services across the region.
SVDP operates thrift stores and direct assistance programs across the Tampa Bay area, providing free or deeply discounted clothing to individuals in financial hardship; veterans are welcome to apply for assistance.
Dress for Success Tampa Bay provides professional clothing, career coaching, and employment support to women entering or re-entering the workforce, including female veterans seeking employment.
Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to locate the nearest clothing bank, free clothing closet, or voucher program in your area; trained specialists can search by zip code 24/7.
Free and low-cost civil legal help for veterans, covering VA benefits appeals, housing, eviction defense, family law, and more.
Bay Area Legal Services provides free civil legal representation to low-income residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Manatee counties, including veterans facing housing and benefits issues.
Disabled American Veterans provides free, professional assistance with VA disability claims, appeals, and benefits navigation, at no cost to veterans and their families. No membership required for claims help.
If a VA disability claim has been denied or you disagree with a rating decision, the Board of Veterans' Appeals is the official federal body for appealing benefit decisions, free to use.
The Florida Bar's Veterans Legal Services Program connects Florida veterans with pro bono attorneys for a range of civil legal issues including VA benefits, family law, consumer issues, and reentry matters.
Hillsborough County Veterans Services can connect veterans to legal aid organizations and accredited claims agents for VA benefit matters, discharge upgrades, and civil legal issues, free of charge.
HUD's housing resources include fair housing protections, tenant rights information, and referrals to housing counselors who can provide guidance on eviction, lease issues, and landlord disputes, free of charge.
Crisis lines, PTSD treatment, substance use recovery, peer support, and behavioral health programs for veterans.
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential crisis support to veterans, service members, National Guard, Reserve members, and their families: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
VA provides a full spectrum of mental health services including PTSD treatment, depression and anxiety care, substance use treatment, and peer support specialists; many services available at VA facilities and telehealth.
The National Center for PTSD provides education, resources, and research on post-traumatic stress disorder for veterans, providers, and the public, including the free PTSD Coach mobile app.
James A. Haley in Tampa provides comprehensive behavioral health services including inpatient psychiatry, outpatient mental health, PTSD programs, substance use treatment, and peer support for area veterans.
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers providing individual and group counseling, PTSD treatment, MST services, and community referrals, with a relaxed, non-clinical atmosphere for combat veterans.
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 treatment referral service for individuals and families facing substance use or mental health disorders, in English and Spanish.
Job placement, skills training, vocational rehabilitation, and hiring programs specifically for veterans.
DOL's HVRP funds community organizations to provide job training, employment placement, and support services for veterans experiencing homelessness, a key federal employment-to-housing pathway.
VA's VR&E program assists veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, obtain, and maintain suitable employment, or achieve independent living goals. Includes education and training funding.
CareerSource Florida connects job seekers to employment services, training programs, and career counseling at local one-stop career centers statewide. Veterans receive priority service under the Jobs for Veterans State Grant.
Local workforce board serving Hillsborough County with in-person career counseling, job matching, skills training, and hiring events. Veterans receive priority services under JVSG legislation.
VA education benefits including the Post-9/11 GI Bill provide tuition, housing, and book allowances for eligible veterans pursuing education, training, or certifications to support career transition.
HireVeterans.com is a dedicated job board connecting veterans with employers who actively recruit and value military experience. Free job searching for veterans, with postings across industries and skill levels.
VA disability compensation, pension programs, emergency financial assistance, and federal benefits for veterans and their families.
Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for monthly tax-free VA disability compensation. Benefits range from 0% to 100% rating based on the degree of disability; apply online or through a VSO.
The VA Pension is a needs-based benefit for wartime veterans with limited income and net worth. Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits may provide additional amounts for veterans needing daily care.
The Florida Veterans Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to Florida veterans in crisis, including help with rent, utilities, food, and essential needs when no other resource is available.
Florida DCF ACCESS provides SNAP food benefits, Medicaid health coverage, and temporary cash assistance to eligible low-income Floridians, including many veterans who may qualify based on income alone.
Free assistance for veterans and families in Hillsborough County: VA disability claims filing, benefits counseling, pension help, and referrals to local veteran support programs. All services are free.
Pinellas County Veterans Services helps veterans, dependents, and survivors file VA claims, understand benefits, and access state and local programs. All services are free, no appointment always needed; call first.
VA medical centers, community care, Medicaid, and low-cost health services for veterans in Tampa Bay and across Florida.
Major VA medical center in Tampa providing comprehensive health care, mental health, PTSD, substance use treatment, spinal cord injury, and specialty services to area veterans. One of the largest VA hospitals in the country.
VA healthcare system in St. Petersburg serving veterans in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and surrounding counties with primary care, mental health, and specialty services at multiple clinic locations.
Most veterans who served on active duty and were honorably discharged are eligible to enroll in VA health care. Enrollment is the first step to access VA medical, mental health, and dental services.
Florida Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible low-income veterans who may not yet qualify for or be enrolled in VA health care. Apply through ACCESS Florida; coverage includes medical and mental health.
FQHCs provide primary care, dental, mental health, and pharmacy services on a sliding-scale fee basis based on income, ensuring low-cost health care for veterans who are uninsured or underinsured.
Eligible veterans may receive VA-covered health care through community providers when VA cannot provide timely or geographically accessible care. Ask your VA provider about Community Care eligibility.
Immediate assistance for veterans facing urgent housing, food, utilities, or financial crisis situations in the Tampa Bay area.
Call 877-424-3838 any time, day or night, to reach a VA responder who can connect you to local VA homeless programs, emergency shelter, transitional housing, and crisis services. Free and confidential.
Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to reach trained specialists who connect callers to food, housing, health, utility assistance, and crisis resources anywhere in Florida, free, 24/7.
Metropolitan Ministries provides same-day emergency food, emergency financial assistance, and crisis case management to families and individuals facing homelessness or hardship across Tampa Bay.
The Salvation Army Tampa Bay provides emergency rent assistance, utility bill help, food, and shelter to individuals and families in crisis. Veterans are encouraged to apply through the Pathway of Hope program.
The Florida Veterans Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to Florida veterans in crisis, for rent, utilities, food, and essential needs when no other resource is available. Apply online or call directly.
Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg offers emergency rent and utility assistance, food pantry services, and counseling across the Tampa Bay region, open to all individuals regardless of faith.
Programs funded and operated at the state level. Available to eligible veterans residing in Florida regardless of county.
FDVA is the primary state agency serving Florida veterans, providing claims assistance, nursing home care, veterans' benefits, and a statewide network of veteran service officers at no cost to veterans.
Florida DCF ACCESS provides SNAP food benefits, Medicaid health coverage, and temporary cash assistance to eligible low-income Floridians, including many veterans who qualify based on income.
Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to 898-211 to reach trained specialists who connect callers to food, housing, health, employment, and crisis resources anywhere in Florida, free, 24/7.
Florida Housing Finance Corporation funds down payment assistance, first-time homebuyer loans, and affordable rental housing programs for income-eligible Florida residents including veterans.
CareerSource Florida connects job seekers to employment services, training programs, and career counseling at local one-stop career centers statewide. Veterans receive priority service under JVSG.
The Florida Veterans Foundation provides emergency financial assistance to Florida veterans in crisis, including help with rent, utilities, food, and essential needs.
The Florida Bar's veterans services program provides information and referrals to pro bono attorneys for Florida veterans needing civil legal help with VA benefits, housing, family law, and related matters.
Florida Medicaid provides health coverage for eligible low-income veterans who may not yet qualify for or be enrolled in VA health care. Apply through ACCESS Florida.
Organizations, VA facilities, county offices, and nonprofits operating in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and surrounding counties. Call first for hours and eligibility.
Major VA medical center in Tampa providing comprehensive health care, mental health, PTSD, substance use treatment, spinal cord injury, and specialty services to area veterans.
VA healthcare system in St. Petersburg serving veterans in Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota, and surrounding counties with primary care, mental health, and specialty services.
Free assistance for veterans and families in Hillsborough County: VA disability claims filing, benefits counseling, and referrals to local veteran support programs. All services are free.
Pinellas County Veterans Services helps veterans, dependents, and survivors file VA claims, understand benefits, and access state and local programs. All services are free.
Metropolitan Ministries provides emergency food, shelter, transitional housing, financial counseling, and case management to struggling families and individuals across Tampa Bay.
Feeding Tampa Bay distributes food to hundreds of thousands of people across the region through a network of food pantries, mobile distributions, and community partner sites.
Bay Area Legal Services provides free civil legal representation to low-income residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk, and Manatee counties, including veterans facing housing and benefits issues.
VOA Florida operates veteran transitional housing, substance use recovery, and reentry programs in the Tampa Bay area, serving veterans facing homelessness, addiction, and reintegration challenges.
Serves the Tampa Bay region with emergency rent and utility help, food pantries, housing support, and counseling, open to all regardless of faith background.
The Salvation Army Tampa Bay provides emergency food, shelter, utility assistance, and holiday programs for individuals and families in need across the region.
Local workforce board serving Hillsborough County with career counseling, job matching, skills training, and hiring events. Veterans receive priority service under JVSG legislation.
FARR certifies recovery residences across Florida. Use the online directory to find certified, structured sober living options for veterans in substance use recovery in the Tampa Bay area and statewide.
VHV provides education, referrals, and practical navigation support. Eligibility, acceptance, financial assistance, housing placement, legal advice, and benefit decisions are determined and handled by the official agency or provider responsible for each program. VHV is not a government agency and does not guarantee access to any program listed above. Always contact the agency directly to verify current hours, eligibility requirements, and availability.
VHV provides structured sober living, workforce reentry, financial literacy, and homeownership pathways for veterans in the Greater Tampa Bay Area Region. Apply today or contact us to learn more.