How to help homeless veterans.

There are several factors that contribute to veteran homelessness, including:

* Mental health conditions: Veterans are more likely to experience mental health issues like PTSD and depression, which can make it difficult to hold a job or maintain stable housing.

* Substance abuse: Self-medication is a common coping mechanism for mental health struggles, leading to substance abuse problems that can further complicate housing and employment.

* Lack of affordable housing: The shortage of affordable housing makes it difficult for many veterans, especially those with limited income, to find a stable place to live.

* Social isolation: The transition from military life to civilian life can be challenging, and veterans may struggle to rebuild social networks. This lack of support can make them more vulnerable to homelessness.

* Difficulty finding employment: Veterans' military skills may not translate directly to civilian jobs, and they may lack the necessary education or training to compete in the workforce.

Here are some resources for homeless veterans in Suffolk County, NY:

*Homelesslongisland's veterans help page:

Https://www.homelesslongisland.org/general-8

* Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency (SCVSA): The SCVSA can help veterans find emergency housing, permanent housing, and other assistance. They can also help veterans obtain VA benefits.

https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/veterans

* United Veterans Beacon House (UVBH): The UVBH provides emergency shelter and supportive services to homeless veterans.

https://nrd.gov/resource/detail/12970321/United+Veterans+Beacon+House+%28UVBH%29

* Suffolk County United Veterans (SCUV): The SCUV offers a variety of programs and services to veterans, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and employment assistance.

https://mhaw.org/what-we-do/

In addition to these resources, there are also a number of national organizations that can help homeless veterans. These include the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) https://nchv.org/about_the_national_coalition_for_homeless_veterans/

and the Veterans Administration (VA). https://www.va.gov/find-locations/

Are you a veteran and need to replace your DD214 click on the link below. https://www.va.gov/records/get-military-service-records/

Are you a veteran and need help you donot need to be alone. Here are some veteran hotline numbers.

If there ever was a time to call to get the support you need, when will that time be?

• Veterans Crisis Line: A confidential toll-free hotline that connects veterans and service members with VA responders. You can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by:

• Dialing 988 and pressing 1, 24/7

• Chatting online

• VA benefits hotline: Call (800) 827-1000 and will be routed to your nearest VA Regional Office

• GI Bill hotline: Call (888) 442-4551

• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: Call +1-877-424-3838 and press 1, 24/7

• VA health benefits hotline: Call (877) 222-8387

• My HealtheVet help desk: Call (877) 327-0022

• OIG Hotline: Call 1-800-488-8244,

• Quit VET: Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838), 9 a.m.--9 p.m. ET, Monday--Friday

• War Vet Call Center: Call 1-877-927-8387, 24/7

UVBH/United Veterans Beacon House

If you are a Veteran who is without a place to live or at imminent risk of becoming homeless, call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET

(877-424-3838) for assistance.

You can also call or visit your local VA

Medical Center or Community Resource and Referral Center where VA staff are ready to help.

Explore www.va.gov/homeless to learn about VA programs for Veterans who are homeless and share that information with others.

Work with VA to prevent and end homelessness among Veterans in your community. Learn how you can help by visiting our Stakeholders page.

Listen to our podcast, Ending Veteran Homelessness, to get monthly updates on resources and services.

Download posters, brochures, and other materials to reach out to Veterans and help VA end homelessness.