Veteran Support Resources

You are not alone.

Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel moral distress about experiences they had during their service. It’s normal to feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services. 

Crisis Prevention

• Veterans Crisis Line – If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line website.
• VA Medical Center - Open 24/7. For emergency mental health care, you can go directly to your local VA medical center, regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
• Dial 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - SAMHSA or use their online messaging services.

Connect With Others

• Veteran Centers – Discuss how you feel with other veterans in these community-based counseling centers. Most  of our Veteran Center staff are veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find a Vet Center near you. 
• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Connect with a peer mentor to help you through your grief journey. Most TAPS mentors were once mentees. 
• VA Women Veterans Call Center – Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.  SAT 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. EST)
• San Jac Mental Health Resources Get mental health screenings, counseling, and more right on campus.
• Together We Served – This platform provides a “virtual base.” You can reconnect with battle buddies and join support forums.
• George W. Bush Institute – Need help or want to talk? Connect to peers or to professional care. Check in online, call 1-630-522-4904 or email checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org.
• Team Red, White, & Blue – Provides in-person and virtual events to help with physical and mental wellbeing.
• Student Veterans of America – Provides resources and support to veterans through their academic careers. Find a campus chapter to connect with.
• Team Rubicon – Find a local support squad to join and continue serving your community.
• Operation Red Wings Retreats - These retreats are free for those who are eligible. Connect with other veterans and learn therapeutic approaches to symptoms of PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury and chronic pain.

Guides & Resources

• VA Self-Help Apps – See the VA’s list of downloadable apps to help support and guide those living with PTSD.
• VA Mental Health Services Guide – Access brochures and guides for mental health services, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and more.
• MakeTheConnection.Net – Find resources and veteran videos about mental health issues.
• Wellness Guide – This guide by South Central Mental Illness Research, Education, Clinical Center (SCMIRECC) provides free resources to help veterans improve their quality of life.
• Team Never Quit (Formerly known as Lone Survivor Foundation) - A podcast that addresses veterans with PTSD and inspires listeners.

For Caregivers of Veterans

• VA Caregiver Support Line – Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.  SAT 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST)
• American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network – This network provides peer support and mentoring for caregivers. 
• Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Hidden Heroes – Members receive access to programs, resources and support from other caregivers.

• Certificate of Eligibility
• Apply for VA Benefits 
• Post 9/11 GI-Bill® Enrollment Verification*
• Montgomery GI Bill® Enrollment Verification*
• Texas Veterans Commission Education – TVC
• Department of Defense (DoD) Voluntary Education
• Veterans Administration Education

• Joint Service Transcript (JST)
• Air Force Transcripts 
• Military Service Records 

Homelessness

• Emergency Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (SSVF) - This is a list of SSVF providers in Texas. Providers help veterans get their VA benefits, including emergency housing assistance.
• VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans - 877-424-3838 Veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to call. If veterans do not have phone or internet access, they can visit their closest VA medical center.
• Campus and local housing assistance - See housing and shelter resources in the area.

Food Insecurity

• Meals for Vets - 830-992-3375 Supplies meals for veterans under the age of 60 living in Texas.
• Campus and local food resources - See food resources on campus and in the area.