VA announces new hotline for homeless veterans

CANANDAIGUA, N.Y. (AFNS) -- A new telephone hotline was established on June 3 to provide emergency support and resources to homeless veterans. Family members, workers at community agencies and non-VA providers also may call the hotline at 1-877-4AID VET to find out about the many programs and services available to assist homeless veterans. Well-trained expert responders will staff the hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Responders are trained to handle calls at either call center. While a responder will know which type of call is incoming, all veteran callers will be receive a brief suicide screening. VA officials recognize that homeless veterans are in need of food and shelter, clothing, financial assistance and treatment for medical conditions. Additionally, many require access to permanent housing, veterans benefits and vocational resources. VA assistance is available for homeless veterans who may have mental health issues, substance abuse, depression, traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder. The responders operating the new hotline will ensure veterans receive the help they need and deserve. VA has approximately 4,000 agreements with community partners to help homeless veterans. Last year, more than 92,000 homeless veterans were served by VA's specialized homeless programs. This is an increase of 15 percent from the previous year. For more information on the call center, visit www1.va.gov/HOMELESS/NationalCallCenter.asp.