Veteran Quickstart Playbook

I'm homeless or about to be. Help.

For: homeless or at-risk-of-homelessness veteran.

Step-by-step

1

IMMEDIATE: Call National Call Center for Homeless Vets

24/7 line, connects to local VA HUD-VASH/SSVF case manager.

Crisis lines (988, 1-877-4AID-VET, RAINN) →
2

Get your situation classified — eligibility for HUD-VASH or SSVF

Different programs for different stages. HUD-VASH = voucher. SSVF = short-term assistance to prevent or rapidly re-house.

VA eligibility quick-check →
3

Find local SSVF grantee

SSVF is delivered by community-based grantees, not VA directly.

Find housing assistance →
4

Apply for Emergency Financial Aid (Warriors Fund)

For acute crises (rent, utilities, vehicle repair) we provide grants directly.

5

Crisis line if in distress

988 + Press 1.

Crisis lines (988, 1-877-4AID-VET, RAINN) →
6

Claim VA disability if not already

Even small ratings unlock priority for housing programs.

VA eligibility quick-check →
In crisis? Call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 confidential, federally-operated. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Homeless or about to be: 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838).

Other quickstart playbooks

I just got out of the military — what should I do?newly-separated veteran (within ~12 months of separation)I think I have PTSD from my service. How do I file a claim?veteran with potential service-connected mental health conditionI want to donate to Wounded Warriors. What's the best way?individual donorI was previously denied for a condition that's now PACT Act presumptive. Can I refile?veteran whose old claim was denied but the condition is now presumptiveI want to use my GI Bill. Which chapter and which school?veteran considering education benefits

About these playbooks

These step-by-step guides are curated by Wounded Warriors / Warriors Fund (Texas 501(c)(3), EIN 86-1336741). Each step links to the relevant VA form, free CVSO directory, or crisis resource so a veteran can move from question to concrete next-action in minutes. Free under CC-BY 4.0. Browse all playbooks →