Find support for veterans
These resources are here for veterans, their families, and anyone helping them navigate what's available — from housing and healthcare to legal help and essential needs.
Veteran Resource Topics
Housing Services
For transitioning out of homelessness and connecting to resources that address your needs. If outside of the Bay Area, we encourage you to utilize the VA's updated housing resources to find the nearest support.
24/7 housing assistance and referrals for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Search for service providers offering housing support near your zip code
Calling the National Call Center can help you beyond housing — it is also a starting point for income, healthcare, or VA benefits support.
Physical & Mental Health
For physical health, mental health, or substance use support. If you are in an immediate crisis, please call 911.
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Free, confidential 24/7 hotline for veterans experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or loneliness
Confidential support for women veterans navigating VA health care, benefits, and services
Readjustment counseling for veterans, service members, and their families
Learn about VA mental health services for PTSD, psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs
Apply for VA health care online
Taking care of your mental health is vital to overcoming obstacles like unemployment and homelessness. Asking for help is not a weakness, it can turn your life around.
Legal Help
Swords to Plowshares only provides legal assistance for veteran-related issues to those residing in Northern California. Here are resources for legal help beyond what we do.
Find a VA-accredited representative anywhere in the U.S.
Free civil legal services to low-income residents in the San Francisco Bay Area
Free legal services for San Francisco residents ages 60+ or adults living with a disability
You can file discharge upgrades, VA benefits claims, documentation updates like name changes, and more on your own. Check out our legal self-help guides to get started.
Income and Essential Needs
Here are some recommended community-based resources for food access, financial support, education, and social services.
24/7 national hotline to find local services for food, housing, utility assistance, and more
Learn about SSI and SSDI benefits and how to apply
Search for federal benefits and assistance programs you may qualify for
Emergency food assistance, senior grocery delivery, and CalFresh application help for San Francisco Bay Area residents
Learn how to use your GI Bill benefits and apply online
If you're in San Francisco or Oakland, our centers provide meals and free food daily. Check out location and hours of operation here www.swords-to-plowshares.org/visit-us.
Real Estate and Home Ownership
We do not help veterans in finding or purchasing homes. However, there are a lot of resources out there for those on the hunt.
Learn about VA-backed home loans and eligibility requirements
California's veteran home loan program offers personalized guidance from a team dedicated to serving veterans
I highly recommend you apply for a home loan with CalVet. If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or more, the loan funding fee is waived entirely — which can mean real savings.
Family Members and Dependents
Swords does not provide direct support for veterans' loved ones and dependents. Here are some organizations that do:
Find local resources for caregivers, family members, and the veterans they support
Health care coverage for eligible spouses, dependents, and survivors of certain disabled or deceased veterans
Explore education and career benefits available to eligible family members and how to apply
Did you know VA disability compensation rates are calculated based on both disability rating and dependent status? Having dependents officially on file with the VA can directly increase a veteran's monthly benefit.
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