Vets Helping Vets — Resources

Everything good for vets, in one place.

VA hospitals and clinics, Tampa-area Veterans Services offices, MacDill family readiness, crisis and homeless support, mental health, benefits claims help, employment, legal aid, and family and caregiver resources. Every phone number and URL is verified before it goes on this page, and the directory is maintained by hand and updated quarterly.

Know something that belongs here, or spot something broken? Tell Leon.

Crisis & immediate help

Veterans Crisis Line

Free confidential crisis support staffed by trained responders — many are veterans themselves.

Phone: 988, then press 1
Text / chat: Text 838255 · Chat at veteranscrisisline.net
Website: www.veteranscrisisline.net
Hours: 24/7/365
Who it's for: Any veteran, service member, National Guard/Reserve, family member, or concerned friend. VA enrollment is NOT required.
When to use: Any time a veteran is in emotional distress, having suicidal thoughts, or a family member is worried about them.

Heads up:TTY users dial 1-800-799-4889. Pressing '1' routes to veteran-specific responders — the general 988 line is different.

Vet Center Call Center

Confidential readjustment counseling phone line staffed by combat vets and family members who connect callers to the nearest Vet Center.

Phone: 1-877-927-8387
Website: www.vetcenter.va.gov
Hours: 24/7
Who it's for: Combat veterans, service members, families, survivors, MST survivors, and certain other populations.
When to use: When a veteran wants to talk about combat, trauma, or transition issues and needs help finding a local Vet Center for in-person counseling.

Heads up:Vet Centers are separate from VA medical centers — no VA enrollment needed, records stay confidential from the main VA file.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Free confidential intake line that connects veterans to housing programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF) and local VA homeless coordinators.

Phone: 1-877-424-3838 (1-877-4AID-VET)
Text / chat: Text 838255 · Chat via VA.gov
Website: department.va.gov/homeless
Hours: 24/7
Who it's for: Any veteran experiencing or at risk of homelessness, plus family members and concerned friends.
When to use: When a veteran is homeless, facing eviction, or has nowhere safe to sleep tonight — even if they have no VA enrollment history.

Women Veterans Call Center

Dedicated line for women veterans to ask about VA benefits, health care, and women-specific services.

Phone: 1-855-829-6636 (1-855-VA-WOMEN)
Text / chat: Text same number: 1-855-829-6636
Website: www.womenshealth.va.gov
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-10 p.m. ET, Sat 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. ET (closed federal holidays)
Who it's for: Women veterans of any era.
When to use: Benefits navigation, gender-specific health care questions, or if a woman veteran wants to talk to someone other than the general VA line.

Heads up:Not a crisis line — use 988 + 1 for immediate danger.

Military OneSource

DoD-funded free confidential counseling, financial coaching, relocation help, and general military life support.

Phone: 1-800-342-9647
Text / chat: Live chat on website
Website: www.militaryonesource.mil
Hours: 24/7/365
Who it's for: Active duty, National Guard, Reserve, immediate family, and recently separated service members (up to ~365 days post-separation).
When to use: Active duty and recently separated only — career veterans long separated should use VA resources instead.

Heads up:Confidential — does not feed into command or medical records.

Florida Veterans Support Line (MyFLVet)

Peer-staffed (many veterans) emotional-support line run by the 211 network and Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Connects to food, legal, financial, housing, counseling.

Phone: 1-844-MYFLVET (1-844-693-5838)
Text / chat: Text FLVeterans to 898211
Website: www.myflvet.com
Hours: 24/7
Who it's for: Any Florida veteran or family member.
When to use: Sub-crisis support — when 988 is too heavy but the vet still needs a person to talk to.

Crisis Center of Tampa Bay (211 Hillsborough)

24/7 information, referral, and crisis counseling. Also runs 2-1-1 for Hillsborough.

Address: 1 Crisis Center Plaza, Tampa, FL 33613
Phone: 211 Hillsborough · main 813-964-1964
Website: www.crisiscenter.com
Hours: 24/7
Who it's for: Any Hillsborough resident; operates Florida Veterans Support Line statewide.
When to use: Vet or family needs food, rent help, counseling referral, or someone to talk to — first call before calling 911 for non-medical crisis.

VA healthcare & clinics

My HealtheVet

VA's health-records portal. Refill prescriptions, message your care team, view test results, download your medical records, manage appointments, and track your health history.

Website: www.myhealth.va.gov
Hours: 24/7 self-service
Who it's for: Veterans enrolled in VA health care.
When to use: Anything related to your VA health care that doesn't require a phone call — refills, lab results, sending a secure message to your primary care team.

Heads up:Requires a Premium account to message providers (quick in-person upgrade at any VA facility).

James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (Tampa)

The largest VA medical center in Tampa Bay — full-service hospital with polytrauma and spinal cord injury specialty care.

Address: 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-972-2000 · 888-716-7787 toll-freePrimary Care: 813-903-3650 · Mental Health ext. 5602 · Homeless Veteran care: 813-972-7015 · Suicide Prevention: 813-972-2000 ext. 106617
Website: www.va.gov/tampa-health-care/locations/james-a-haley-veterans-hospital
Hours: Hospital 24/7; Emergency Department 24/7/365
Who it's for: Enrolled VA patients; ED treats emergencies regardless of enrollment.
When to use: Primary VA care, inpatient, specialty referrals, or emergency mental health/medical crises.

Heads up:ED is in Building 1 off Richard Silver Way, beside Fisher House I.

Bay Pines VA Healthcare System

Pinellas-side VA medical center covering south/west Tampa Bay and SW Florida.

Address: 10000 Bay Pines Blvd., Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 727-398-6661
Website: www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care
Hours: Hospital 24/7; ED 24/7 (mental health emergencies accepted regardless of enrollment)
Who it's for: Enrolled VA patients; ED open to emergencies.
When to use: VA care for Pinellas-area vets; ED for crisis when geographically closer than Haley.

St. Petersburg VA Clinic

Primary care + mental health CBOC for St. Pete vets.

Address: 840 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone: 727-398-6661 (Bay Pines main)
Website: www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/locations/st-petersburg-va-clinic
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Who it's for: Enrolled VA patients.
When to use: Routine primary care or mental health for enrolled St. Pete veterans.

North Pinellas VA Clinic (Clearwater)

CBOC serving north Pinellas.

Address: 26286 US Highway 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: 727-398-6661 (Bay Pines routing)
Website: www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/locations
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Enrolled VA patients.
When to use: Routine primary care for enrolled veterans in north Pinellas.

Tampa Area CBOCs (Community-Based Outpatient Clinics)

Network of outpatient VA clinics across Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, and Citrus — locations include Bruce B. Downs, 42nd St, 46th St N/S, Hidden River, Sabal Park, Temple Terrace, South Hillsborough (Riverview), New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, Brooksville, Lakeland, Lecanto.

Phone: 813-972-2000 (main routing for all)
Website: www.va.gov/tampa-health-care/locations
Hours: Weekday business hours (varies by location)
Who it's for: Enrolled VA patients.
When to use: Routine primary care closer to home than the main Haley campus.

Heads up:Full address list: va.gov/tampa-health-care/locations/

Tampa Vet Center

Confidential free non-medical counseling for PTSD, readjustment, MST, grief.

Address: 9206 King Palm Dr., Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 813-372-0400 · 24/7 Vet Center: 1-877-927-8387
Website: www.va.gov/tampa-vet-center
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Who it's for: Combat/deployed veterans, MST survivors, bereaved family members, service members (including reservists/guard). No VA enrollment required.
When to use: Veteran doesn't want care in a hospital setting, or isn't in the VA system yet.

Heads up:Separate from James A. Haley — does not require VA healthcare enrollment.

St. Petersburg Vet Center

First Vet Center in the Southeast (est. 1979). Readjustment counseling for Pinellas vets.

Address: 501 First Avenue N, Suite 514, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 1-877-927-8387 (24/7 routing)
Website: www.va.gov/st-petersburg-vet-center
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m.
Who it's for: Combat/deployed veterans, MST survivors, bereaved family members.
When to use: Non-hospital confidential counseling for Pinellas-side veterans.

Clearwater Vet Center

Readjustment counseling with late Monday/Wednesday hours for working veterans.

Address: 29259 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, FL 33761
Phone: 727-549-3600 · 24/7: 1-877-927-8387
Website: www.va.gov/clearwater-vet-center
Hours: Mon 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Wed 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Tue/Thu/Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Who it's for: Combat/deployed veterans, MST survivors, bereaved family members.
When to use: Working veterans needing evening appointments for counseling.

Pasco County Vet Center

Pasco-side readjustment counseling.

Address: 5139 Deer Park Dr., New Port Richey, FL 34653
Phone: 727-372-1854 · 24/7: 1-877-927-8387
Website: www.va.gov/pasco-county-vet-center
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (non-traditional hours available — call ahead)
Who it's for: Combat/deployed veterans, MST survivors, bereaved family members.
When to use: Non-hospital confidential counseling for Pasco veterans.

MacDill AFB

MacDill AFB Main Base Operator

Switchboard for the 6th Air Refueling Wing and all tenant units.

Phone: 813-828-1110
Website: www.macdill.af.mil
Hours: 24/7
Who it's for: Military and DoD civilian community.
When to use: General base routing when no direct number is available.

MacDill AFB Military & Family Readiness Center

Central hub for relocation, EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program), personal finance, transition, and spouse programs.

Address: 8105 Condor St., Bldg. 18, MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Phone: 813-828-0145 main · 813-828-0139 altEFMP Family Support: 813-828-0122 · Relocation: 813-828-0137
Website: macdillfss.com/military-family-readiness
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tue 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Who it's for: Active duty, Guard/Reserve, retirees, DoD civilians, family members.
When to use: PCS planning, special-needs family coordination, financial counseling, spouse career help.

MacDill AFB Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

Mandatory DoD transition curriculum: VA benefits briefings, resume, career counseling, entrepreneurship track.

Address: 8105 Condor St., Bldg. 18, MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Phone: 813-828-0138 direct · 813-828-0145 opt. 1
Email: 6fss.fsh.tap@us.af.mil
Website: macdillfss.com/tap
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Separating/retiring service members (all branches) and spouses.
When to use: Begin 24 months before separation, 36 months before retirement.

MacDill AFB Chapel (Our Lady of the Bay)

Catholic, Protestant, and multi-faith religious services and confidential pastoral counseling.

Address: 2204 Administration Ave., MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Phone: 813-828-3621 · 813-828-4924
Website: www.macdill.af.mil/chapel
Hours: Catholic weekday Mass 12:10 p.m.; Sat 5:30 p.m.; Sun 9:30 a.m. Protestant Sun 11:00 a.m.
Who it's for: Base-access military community.
When to use: Spiritual support or when you need counseling that's completely confidential from the chain of command.

Heads up:Chaplain counseling is 100% confidential — not part of the chain of command.

MacDill AFB Legal Assistance Office (6 ARW JAG)

Wills, powers of attorney, notary, consumer advice. Does not represent in court.

Address: 8208 Hangar Loop Dr., MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Phone: 813-828-4421
Email: 6arw.ja.generallaw@us.af.mil
Website: www.macdill.af.mil/Units/Judge-Advocate-Legal-Office
Hours: Walk-in Mon/Tue 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Wed 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; Thu 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Fri 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Who it's for: Active duty, retirees, dependents — free legal assistance.
When to use: Getting a will drafted, POA notarized, or consumer-advice consultation before signing a major contract.

MacDill AFB Housing Management Office

On-base housing assignments, BAH counseling, privatized housing liaison with Harbor Bay at MacDill.

Address: 8414 Fortress Dr., MacDill AFB, FL 33621
Phone: 813-828-5404 · 813-840-2561 · Unaccompanied housing (E1-E4 <3 yrs): 813-828-2790
Website: www.housing.af.mil/Home/Installations/MacDill-AFB
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Base-assigned military.
When to use: New arrival, PCS departure, or housing issue on base.

Homelessness & housing

HUD-VASH

Joint HUD + VA program combining a Housing Choice voucher for rental assistance with VA case management, mental health care, and wraparound services.

Phone: 1-877-424-3838 (National Call Center for Homeless Veterans)
Text / chat: Text 838255
Website: department.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash
Hours: 24/7 intake
Who it's for: Homeless veterans eligible for VA health care, including those with complex needs requiring case management.
When to use: Veteran is homeless and needs long-term rental subsidies plus case management.

Heads up:Access via the National Call Center — do not contact HUD directly.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)

VA grant program funding community nonprofits to deliver rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention (rent, utilities, moving costs, case management).

Phone: 1-877-424-3838
Text / chat: Text 838255
Website: department.va.gov/homeless/supportive-services-for-veteran-families
Hours: 24/7 intake
Who it's for: Very low-income veteran families (at or below 50% AMI) who are homeless or imminently at risk.
When to use: Veteran family facing eviction within days or newly homeless, can stabilize with short-term rent help.

Heads up:Delivered by local grantee nonprofits — the call center does the matching.

HUD-VASH at James A. Haley + Tampa Housing Authority

Housing Choice Voucher + VA case management combined.

Phone: Haley Homeless Veteran Care 813-972-7015 · THA 813-341-9101
Website: www.tampaha.org/hud-vash
Hours: Weekday business hours; 24/7 intake via 1-877-424-3838
Who it's for: Homeless veterans referred by VA; VA determines vet eligibility, THA verifies income.
When to use: Chronically homeless vet needing both rent subsidy and clinical case management.

First Contact / 211 Tampa Bay Cares — SSVF

Screens SSVF applicants and routes to provider partners; rapid rehousing + prevention.

Phone: 211 · 1-844-455-7783 (1-844-455-SSVF)
Text / chat: Text HousingFirst to 898211
Website: www.firstcontact.org/veteran-services
Hours: 24/7 intake
Who it's for: Very low-income veteran households in 8 Tampa Bay-area counties — at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
When to use: Vet family facing eviction, utility shutoff, or sleeping unsheltered.

St. Vincent de Paul CARES SSVF

Housing First rapid rehousing + prevention. Time-limited rent/utility/moving payments.

Address: 384 15th St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Phone: 1-844-455-7783
Website: www.svdpsp.org/programs/veteran-programs/ssvf
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Low-income veteran families in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk + other Florida counties.
When to use: Veteran family needs short-term rental or utility assistance to stabilize.

Volunteers of America Florida — Veterans Services

Florida's largest provider of supportive veteran housing — 19 veteran communities statewide.

Address: 850 5th Ave S, Suite 1100, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-369-8500
Website: www.voaflorida.org/services/veteran-services
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
When to use: Long-term supportive housing for homeless vets.

Heads up:Operates Veteran Home Repairs (Home Depot Foundation) in Pinellas/Hillsborough/Manatee — pferri@voa-fla.org.

James Cole Veterans Village (VOA Florida)

Transitional housing with structured case management, mental health, SUD treatment, VA linkage.

Address: Betty P. Wiggins Center, 4011 N. 39th St., Tampa, FL 33610
Phone: 813-418-7800
Email: Hillsboroughinfo@voa-fla.org
Website: www.voaflorida.org/locations/james-cole-village
Hours: 24/7 residential program
Who it's for: Male veterans 18+, honorable/general/OTH discharge, homeless or at imminent risk.
When to use: Veteran ready for structured program with sobriety requirement — not a low-barrier shelter.

Metropolitan Ministries

Family-focused homeless services in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk, Pasco.

Address: 2002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
Phone: 813-209-1000 main · 813-209-1176 cold weather shelter
Website: www.metromin.org
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Tue until 7 p.m.)
Who it's for: Homeless or at-risk families (not veteran-exclusive, but serves vet families).
When to use: Vet with minor children needing shelter, food, rent assistance.

The Salvation Army Tampa (Red Shield Lodge + Hope House)

Red Shield Lodge emergency shelter + Hope House 2-year 44-bed transitional housing for men.

Address: 1100 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33604
Phone: 813-226-0055 ext. 300/351 · 1-800-SAL-ARMY
Website: tampa.salvationarmyflorida.org
Hours: Shelter 24/7/365
Who it's for: Any in need; veterans often underwritten by VA for qualifying homeless stays.
When to use: Vet needs a bed tonight and isn't yet in the SSVF/HUD-VASH pipeline.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Hillsborough — Veterans Build

0%-interest mortgage, no down payment, new or rehabbed home.

Website: www.habitathillsborough.org/veterans-build
Hours: Program admin hours
Who it's for: Qualified low-income veteran applicants; 300-375 sweat-equity hours + homeowner prep classes required.
When to use: Vet family wants stable homeownership through sweat-equity program.

Habitat for Humanity Tampa Bay Gulfside — Veterans Build (Pinellas/Pasco)

Pinellas/Pasco Habitat veterans build program.

Phone: 727-536-4755 ext. 220
Website: habitatpwp.org/veterans-build
Hours: Program admin hours
Who it's for: Pinellas and west Pasco residents meeting income/sweat-equity rules.
When to use: Vet family in Pinellas or west Pasco pursuing homeownership through Habitat.

Mental health & substance use

VA Mental Health Services

VA's portal for PTSD, depression, substance use disorder, and MST treatment services.

Phone: 988 Press 1 for crisis; routine care scheduled through local VA
Website: www.mentalhealth.va.gov
Hours: Crisis 24/7; local hours vary
Who it's for: VA-enrolled veterans for routine care; any veteran for crisis line.
When to use: Starting non-crisis mental health care. For emergency, go to 988 Press 1.

SAMHSA National Helpline

Free confidential federal referral line for mental health and substance use treatment (English and Spanish). TTY 1-800-487-4889.

Phone: 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)
Text / chat: Text zip code to 435748 (HELP4U)
Website: www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
Hours: 24/7/365
Who it's for: Anyone — veterans, family, civilians.
When to use: Someone needs a non-VA treatment referral (inpatient, outpatient, support groups) including sliding-scale or state-funded options.

Heads up:Not a crisis line; for imminent danger use 988. Does not ask for personal info.

Give an Hour

Network of mental health professionals and peer groups focused on peer support.

Website: giveanhour.org
Hours: Business hours; peer groups on set schedules
Who it's for: Veterans, service members, and military families affected by trauma.
When to use: Structured peer support groups for veterans or military family members.

Heads up:NOT an emergency service — they direct crisis callers to 988.

Stop Soldier Suicide (ROGER)

Veteran-led nonprofit providing free confidential virtual mental health counseling, crisis intervention, and safety planning via its ROGER program.

Phone: 1-833-697-6437 (ROGER) or 984-207-3260 (intake)
Text / chat: Available through ROGER platform
Website: stopsoldiersuicide.org
Hours: Business hours for intake; 24/7 for crisis
Who it's for: All U.S. service members and veterans regardless of discharge status, branch, era, or VA eligibility.
When to use: Confidential non-VA mental health care, especially for veterans with other-than-honorable discharges that block VA care.

Heads up:Confidential — no reporting to DoD or VA. Free of charge.

Mission 22

Nonprofit offering no-cost recovery and resiliency coaching, wellness challenges, and family/spouse support.

Phone: 503-908-8505
Website: mission22.org
Hours: Business hours, PT
Who it's for: Veterans and their families.
When to use: Veterans wanting structured peer-based wellness programs (not acute crisis care).

James A. Haley VA Mental Health

Outpatient + inpatient psychiatric care, PTSD clinical team, substance use disorder services.

Phone: 813-972-2000 ext. 5602 · Psychiatry 813-631-7123 · PTSD 813-631-7127
Website: www.va.gov/tampa-health-care/health-services/mental-health-care
Hours: Weekday clinic hours; crisis 24/7 via 988 press 1
Who it's for: VA-enrolled veterans.
When to use: Routine non-crisis mental health care for enrolled Tampa-area veterans.

Bay Pines VA Mental Health

Mental health services at Bay Pines VAMC and satellite clinics.

Phone: 727-398-6661
Website: www.va.gov/bay-pines-health-care/health-services/mental-health-care
Hours: Weekday clinic hours
Who it's for: VA-enrolled veterans.
When to use: Routine non-crisis mental health care for enrolled Pinellas/south-county veterans.

Ibis Healthcare (formerly Gracepoint Wellness)

Outpatient behavioral health, crisis, Baker Act receiving, primary care. Recently formed via merger of Gracepoint and COVE Behavioral Health.

Address: 5707 N. 22nd St., Tampa, FL 33610 · 4422 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33605
Phone: 813-384-4000 · 813-272-2244 · Mobile Crisis Response Team: 813-272-2958
Website: ibishealthcare.org
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; after-hours urgent 813-384-4000 press #2
Who it's for: Any Hillsborough resident; sliding-scale; accepts Medicaid.
When to use: Non-VA-enrolled vet, vet waiting on VA enrollment, or vet's family member needing crisis care.

Operation PAR (Pinellas / Pasco)

Florida's leading SUD treatment nonprofit — residential, detox, MAT, outpatient.

Address: 6655 66th St. N, Pinellas Park, FL 33781
Phone: 1-888-PAR-NEXT (1-888-727-6398) 24/7 · 727-545-7564 office
Website: www.operationpar.org
Hours: 24/7 helpline
Who it's for: Anyone; accepts Medicaid; no one denied for inability to pay.
When to use: Vet in active addiction not ready/able to go to VA, or needs fast detox bed.

Heads up:Quick Response Team responds within 72 hours of a suspected overdose if EMS info is authorized.

Financial & benefits claims

VA.gov

The single main VA website. File claims, check benefit status, download documents, find facilities, apply for health care, manage appointments — all in one logged-in portal.

Website: www.va.gov
Hours: 24/7 self-service
Who it's for: All veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors.
When to use: First stop for anything VA-related you can do yourself instead of calling. If you don't have a Login.gov or ID.me account, start by creating one — it unlocks nearly every self-service VA workflow.

Heads up:The newer va.gov has replaced most of eBenefits over the past few years. If you land on eBenefits, the destination you need has almost certainly migrated to va.gov.

eBenefits (ebenefits.va.gov)

Legacy VA self-service portal — most functionality has migrated to va.gov, but a few tools (notably the VA Home Loan Certificate of Eligibility download for some users, VONAPP archive, and legacy claim-status lookups) still live here.

Website: www.ebenefits.va.gov
Hours: 24/7 self-service
Who it's for: Veterans, service members, dependents with a DS Logon or ID.me/Login.gov account.
When to use: If a VA help article points you to eBenefits specifically, use it. Otherwise start on va.gov — it's the current main surface.

Heads up:VA is sunsetting this portal gradually. Verify any eBenefits-only workflow hasn't been migrated to va.gov first.

VA GI Bill & Education Benefits

Apply for and manage GI Bill education benefits — check entitlement, transfer to dependents, switch between chapters, and look up approved schools.

Website: www.va.gov/education
Hours: 24/7 self-service
Who it's for: Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Fry Scholarship (surviving dependents), DEA/Chapter 35, VEAP, Yellow Ribbon participants.
When to use: Considering a school, trade program, apprenticeship, or flight training; comparing programs; or transferring benefits to a spouse/child.

Heads up:The GI Bill Comparison Tool on this site lets you check a school's tuition cap, housing allowance, and cohort outcomes — use it before committing.

VA Benefits Hotline

Primary VA line for disability compensation, pension, direct deposit, benefit letters, and general benefits questions.

Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Website: www.va.gov
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-9 p.m. ET
Who it's for: All veterans and beneficiaries.
When to use: Claim status, payment issues, or any VA benefits question.

MyVA411 — VA Main Information Line

Single-number 24/7 gateway to all VA services; operators route to the right department.

Phone: 1-800-698-2411
Website: www.va.gov/contact-us
Hours: 24/7
Who it's for: All veterans, family, caregivers, survivors.
When to use: You don't know which VA number to call — start here.

Veterans Benefits Banking Program (VBBP)

VA partnership connecting veterans to veteran-friendly banks/credit unions plus free financial counseling via NFCC.

Website: veteransbenefitsbanking.org
Hours: Varies by partner bank/credit union
Who it's for: Veterans, VA beneficiaries, caregivers.
When to use: Veteran is unbanked, underbanked, setting up direct deposit of VA benefits, or needs free credit counseling.

Heads up:Watch for lookalike phishing sites using similar names.

Operation Homefront

Critical Financial Assistance (rent, utilities, vehicle/appliance repair, food), transitional and permanent housing, and family support events.

Phone: 210-659-7756
Website: www.operationhomefront.org
Hours: Business hours, CT
Who it's for: Military and veteran families, especially junior enlisted (E1-E6) and wounded warriors. Programs have varying income caps.
When to use: Military or veteran family has an unexpected financial emergency that threatens housing or basic needs.

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs (FDVA)

State agency that runs Florida's veteran nursing homes, advocates for state-level veteran benefits, operates the Florida Veterans Support Line, and funds the state's County Veterans Service Officer network. One-stop resource for anything Florida-specific that isn't federal VA.

Phone: 1-844-MYFLVET (1-844-693-5838)
Website: www.floridavets.org
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Any Florida veteran or dependent.
When to use: Florida property tax exemption questions, state-level benefits, Operation Outdoor Freedom sign-up, Florida state veterans' nursing home applications, or just 'who do I talk to' for a FL-specific issue.

Heads up:Operates six state veterans' nursing homes across Florida.

Hillsborough County Veteran Community Services

Accredited County + State Service Officers for VA claims, appeals, enrollment assistance. Co-located with Veterans Memorial Park & Museum.

Address: Veterans Resource Center, 3602 US-301 N (Bldg. 3610), Tampa, FL 33619
Phone: 813-635-8316
Website: hcfl.gov/residents/human-services/veterans
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Who it's for: Any veteran, dependent, or survivor — free.
When to use: Starting or appealing a VA claim with one-on-one help.

Pinellas County Veterans Services — Clearwater

County accredited service officers for VA claims and appeals.

Address: 2189 Cleveland St., Suite 263, Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: 727-464-8460 · TDD 727-464-4388
Website: pinellas.gov/veterans-office-locations
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (appointment recommended)
Who it's for: Any veteran in Pinellas — free.
When to use: Pinellas-north veteran needs claims help.

Pinellas County Veterans Services — St. Petersburg

County service officers colocated with the St. Pete Vet Center.

Address: 501 First Ave. N, Suite 514, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-582-7828
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (appointment recommended)
Who it's for: Any veteran in Pinellas.
When to use: Pinellas-south veteran needs claims help.

Pasco County Veterans Services — West (Port Richey)

County accredited service officers.

Address: 8620 Galen Wilson Blvd., Port Richey, FL 34668
Phone: 727-834-3282
Website: www.pascocountyfl.gov/services/veterans_services/index.php
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Any veteran in Pasco.
When to use: West Pasco veteran needs claims help.

Pasco County Veterans Services — Central (Land O'Lakes)

County accredited service officers.

Address: 4111 Land O'Lakes Blvd., Suite 102 (Hap Clark Bldg.), Land O'Lakes, FL 34638
Phone: 813-929-2719
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Any veteran in Pasco.
When to use: Central Pasco veteran needs claims help.

Pasco County Veterans Services — East (Dade City)

County accredited service officers.

Address: 37255 Florida Ave., Dade City, FL 33525
Phone: 352-521-5172
Hours: Weekday business hours
Who it's for: Any veteran in Pasco.
When to use: East Pasco veteran needs claims help.

DAV Tampa Chapter 4

Service Officers file VA disability claims, appeals, records pulls, and increase requests.

Phone: 813-443-4044
Website: davfla.org/services
Hours: Walk-in Wed 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; by appointment other days (leave voicemail)
Who it's for: Any veteran — free.
When to use: First stop for a new claim or rating increase — before paying a claim shark.

Legal aid

National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)

Free legal representation for VA appeals, discharge upgrades, medical retirement, CRSC, TSGLI, and burn pit claims.

Phone: 202-265-8305
Website: nvlsp.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Any U.S. veteran or military family; pro bono Lawyers Serving Warriors program has separate intake.
When to use: Complex appeals to the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, bad discharge upgrades, specialist advice.

Heads up:All services free. Does not handle routine first-filing claims — see DAV, Legion, VFW for those.

Stateside Legal

Self-help legal information site (operated by Pine Tree Legal) with plain-language articles and a referral tool to find free legal aid in your state.

Website: www.statesidelegal.org
Hours: 24/7 web resource
Who it's for: Service members, veterans, and families.
When to use: Veteran has a civil legal issue (housing, family law, consumer, benefits) and wants to understand rights or find free local help.

Heads up:Not a lawyer — does not represent clients directly.

Bay Area Legal Services — Florida Veterans Legal Helpline

Free civil legal help: VA claims/appeals, discharge upgrades, housing, family law, consumer debt, benefits.

Phone: 1-866-486-6161 helpline · 1-800-625-2257 general intake
Website: bals.org/help/veterans
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Who it's for: Low-income veterans across Florida; Medical-Legal Partnerships at Haley and Bay Pines require VA enrollment.
When to use: Claims denial, eviction, family law, or discharge upgrade — before hiring a paid lawyer.

Heads up:Medical-Legal Partnerships at Haley (Bldg 41, Social Work) and Bay Pines provide on-site legal help to enrolled patients.

Employment & transition

VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)

VA program providing career counseling, training, education, and job placement for disabled veterans.

Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Website: www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-9 p.m. ET
Who it's for: Veterans with a VA service-connected disability rating of 10%+ (or a memorandum rating) and an employment handicap.
When to use: Service-connected disabled veteran needs retraining or help finding suitable employment.

Hiring Our Heroes

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation nonprofit delivering hiring events, 6-12 week corporate fellowships, and job placement with Fortune 500 employers.

Website: www.hiringourheroes.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Service members, veterans, military spouses, and dependent military children.
When to use: Transitioning service members (especially within 180 days of separation) and military spouses seeking structured corporate placement.

RecruitMilitary

For-profit military-to-civilian recruiting platform with a free job seeker job board and free-to-attend career fairs.

Website: recruitmilitary.com
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.
When to use: Veterans actively job-hunting seeking large veteran-friendly employers quickly.

Heads up:Free for job seekers; for-profit company.

CareerSource Tampa Bay — Veteran Services

Federally-funded workforce board with dedicated Veteran Employment Reps for case management and job placement.

Address: 9215 N. Florida Ave., Suite 101, Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-930-7400 main · 813-930-7858 Get There Faster (veterans program)
Email: gettherefaster@careersourcetb.com
Website: careersourcetampabay.com/veteran-services
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-12 p.m., 1-5 p.m.
Who it's for: Any veteran — Priority of Service at all locations.
When to use: Job search, skills training, career assessment — veteran priority bumps you to the front of the line.

Heads up:Additional offices in Brandon and Plant City.

Tampa Bay Chamber — Military Committee

Chamber-side coordination for veteran hiring events, military appreciation, and employer introductions.

Website: www.tampabaychamber.com/pages/military
Hours: Chamber business hours
Who it's for: Veterans, transitioning SMs, employers.
When to use: Networking into Tampa Bay's employer community.

Veteran service organizations

The American Legion

Largest congressionally-chartered VSO. Accredited service officers file VA claims for free.

Phone: 1-800-433-3318 (national HQ customer service)
Website: www.legion.org
Hours: Business hours (Indianapolis, ET)
Who it's for: Veterans who served at least one day of active duty during a congressionally-declared war era; local posts welcome walk-ins from any veteran for claims help.
When to use: Free help filing or appealing a VA disability/pension claim, or wanting a local community of veterans.

Heads up:Claims help is ALWAYS FREE. Avoid 'claim sharks' that charge a percentage of back pay. Find a post: mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Find-a-Post

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Congressionally-chartered VSO with accredited national service officers nationwide.

Phone: 816-756-3390 (national HQ) · Member Service 1-833-839-8387
Website: www.vfw.org
Hours: Business hours, CT
Who it's for: Veterans who served in a designated overseas campaign, expedition, or hostile-fire area. Local posts help any veteran with claims regardless of VFW eligibility.
When to use: Free VA claims assistance, emergency grants for active duty/recently separated (Unmet Needs up to $2,500 — 1-866-789-6333), local post community.

Heads up:Claims help is FREE. Online claims tool: claims.vfw.org. Find a post: vfw.org/find-a-post

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Congressionally-chartered VSO specializing in disability claims. Runs the DAV Transportation Network giving free rides to VA medical appointments.

Phone: 1-877-426-2838 (877-I-AM-A-VET)
Website: www.dav.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Any veteran — no service-connected disability required to receive help. Membership requires service-connected disability, but services are open to all.
When to use: Filing a disability claim, need a ride to the VA hospital, or want expert help with complex claims involving multiple service-connected conditions.

Heads up:ALL services free. Transportation scheduled through local chapter at nearest VA medical center.

Wounded Warrior Project

Nonprofit providing mental health programs (Project Odyssey, Warrior Care Network), career counseling (Warriors to Work), peer support, and adaptive sports.

Phone: 1-877-832-6997 (877-TEAM-WWP)
Text / chat: Live chat on website
Website: www.woundedwarriorproject.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured service members and veterans, plus family support members. Must register.
When to use: Post-9/11 veterans with a physical or mental injury/illness connected to service seeking long-term wraparound support.

Heads up:Post-9/11 era only — not for Vietnam, Korea, Gulf War I, or earlier veterans.

Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA)

Congressionally-chartered VSO with deep expertise in Agent Orange, PTSD, and other Vietnam-era exposures.

Phone: 301-585-4000
Website: vva.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Vietnam-era veterans (active duty Nov 1, 1955 – May 7, 1975) for full membership. Accredited service officers help any veteran with claims.
When to use: Agent Orange presumptive claims, Blue Water Navy issues, or any Vietnam-era benefits question.

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

Advocacy-focused nonprofit for post-9/11 veterans with a Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP) that connects members to vetted service providers.

Website: iava.org
Hours: Business hours
Who it's for: Post-9/11 veterans; civilian supporters also welcome.
When to use: Post-9/11 veteran or family needing a case-managed warm handoff to benefits, mental health, housing, or employment resources.

Semper Fi & America's Fund

Case-managed nonprofit providing direct financial assistance, transition support, and integrative wellness for severely injured service members.

Phone: 760-725-3680
Website: thefund.org
Hours: Business hours, PT
Who it's for: Critically wounded, ill, or injured service members from all branches and military families; separate program for catastrophically wounded/ill Vietnam veterans.
When to use: When a service member or veteran has a critical injury or life-threatening illness and needs immediate long-term case management.

Heads up:Despite the name, helps all branches — not only Marines.

American Legion Department of Florida — Post Locator

Interactive post-finder (filter by county, district, radius).

Phone: 407-295-2631 (Department HQ)
Website: www.floridalegion.org/resources/post-locator
Hours: HQ business hours
Who it's for: Veterans (war-era service).
When to use: Finding a local Legion post for claims help, community, or hall rental.

American Legion Post 5 (U.S.S. Tampa)

Historic downtown Tampa post.

Website: www.post5tampa.org
Hours: Post hours — check site
Who it's for: Eligible Legion members; claims help open to any vet.
When to use: Downtown Tampa community + claims support.

American Legion Seminole Post 111

Active Tampa District 15 post with hall rental and community programs.

Phone: 813-236-2281
Website: alseminolepost.org
Hours: Post hours — check site
Who it's for: Eligible Legion members; claims help open to any vet.
When to use: Claims help, community events, hall rental.

American Legion Post 138

Post near MacDill side of town.

Address: 5535 W. Prescott St., Tampa, FL 33616
Phone: 813-839-5119
Hours: Post hours — call
Who it's for: Eligible Legion members; claims help open to any vet.
When to use: MacDill-area vets looking for a nearby Legion home.

VFW Post 4321 (Russell P. Harris)

Historic Tampa post.

Address: 2010 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa, FL 33606
Phone: 813-374-2490
Email: post4321@vfwfl.org
Hours: Post hours — call
Who it's for: VFW-eligible; claims help open to any vet.
When to use: Post community + claims help.

VFW Post 424 (Seminole Heights)

Seminole Heights Tampa post.

Address: 105 W. Broad St., Tampa, FL 33604
Phone: 813-237-3183
Hours: Post hours — call
Who it's for: VFW-eligible; claims help open to any vet.
When to use: Post community + claims help.

VFW Post 10140 (North Tampa)

North Tampa post.

Address: 8414 N. 40th St., Tampa, FL 33604
Phone: 813-985-6111
Hours: Post hours — call
Who it's for: VFW-eligible; claims help open to any vet.
When to use: Post community + claims help.

Family & caregiver support

VA National Cemetery Administration

All VA burial and memorial benefits — free burial in a VA national cemetery, headstones and markers, presidential memorial certificates, pre-need eligibility determinations, and military funeral honors.

Website: www.cem.va.gov
Hours: 24/7 self-service; burial scheduling Mon-Fri
Who it's for: Veterans, spouses, and certain dependents — eligibility rules on the site.
When to use: Planning a veteran burial (immediate or pre-need), requesting a headstone or medallion for an existing private-cemetery grave, or scheduling military funeral honors.

Heads up:Pre-need eligibility (VA Form 40-10007) takes pressure off families later. Watch for predatory 'pre-need burial consultants' — VA benefits here are free.

VA Caregiver Support Program

VA program providing caregiver training, respite, peer support, and for eligible families a monthly stipend.

Phone: 1-855-260-3274
Website: www.caregiver.va.gov
Hours: Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET
Who it's for: Family caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care. PGCSS (general) and PCAFC (comprehensive, with stipend for eligible post-9/11 and Vietnam-era veterans).
When to use: Family member is caring for a wounded, ill, or aging veteran and needs training, support, or respite.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation

Nonprofit offering Hope Fund grants (disaster aid, medical bills, home repairs), peer support via Hidden Heroes community, and caregiver fellowships.

Website: elizabethdolefoundation.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Military and veteran caregivers (Hidden Heroes).
When to use: Military/veteran caregiver needs emergency financial help or a peer community beyond VA Caregiver Support.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)

Nonprofit providing grief counseling referrals, peer mentoring, children's youth programs, seminars, and suicide loss support for military survivors.

Phone: 1-800-959-8277 (1-800-959-TAPS)
Website: www.taps.org
Hours: 24/7
Who it's for: Anyone grieving the death of a service member or veteran — regardless of cause, relationship, or era.
When to use: Immediately after a military or veteran death, and for any ongoing grief support — including years later.

Fisher House Tampa (at James A. Haley VA)

Free 'home away from home' lodging — two houses on campus. No room fee.

Address: On the James A. Haley VA campus, 13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: 813-972-2000 (Hospital routing to Fisher House manager)
Website: www.fisherhouse.org/programs/houses/current-houses/florida-james-a-haley-veterans-hospital-i-ii
Hours: Residential — 24/7
Who it's for: Families of veterans and active-duty SMs hospitalized at Haley who live more than 50 miles away.
When to use: Family of a vet in inpatient or ICU care at Haley.

Specific populations

Blue Star Families

Nonprofit community for military families offering local chapters, Blue Star Museums (free museum access), career development, and caregiver programs.

Phone: 202-630-2583
Website: bluestarfam.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Military families, veteran families, civilian supporters.
When to use: Military families wanting peer community, local events, and non-clinical family support.

Gold Star Wives of America

Congressionally-chartered organization advocating for surviving spouse benefits and providing peer community.

Website: goldstarwives.org
Hours: Business hours
Who it's for: Widows/widowers of military members who died in service or from service-connected causes.
When to use: Surviving military spouses seeking advocacy, benefits guidance (DIC, SBP), and community.

American Gold Star Mothers

Congressionally-chartered organization providing peer support, memorial activities, and veteran/community service.

Phone: 202-265-0991
Website: www.americangoldstarmothers.org
Hours: Business hours, ET
Who it's for: Mothers whose son or daughter died while serving or from service-connected causes.
When to use: Bereaved military mothers seeking peer community and service opportunities.

Heads up:The goldstarmoms.com domain has been compromised — use ONLY americangoldstarmothers.org.

Modern Military Association of America

LGBTQ+ military advocacy nonprofit with policy advocacy, community programs, and resources for LGBTQ+ military families.

Email: info@modernmilitary.org
Website: modernmilitary.org
Hours: Business hours
Who it's for: LGBTQ+ service members, veterans, and families.
When to use: LGBTQ+ military/veteran families seeking advocacy support or community.

SPARTA

Volunteer-run peer support, emergency microgrants, and advocacy for transgender military members and veterans.

Website: spartapride.org
Hours: Volunteer-run
Who it's for: Transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming current service members and veterans; families and allies can join affiliated groups.
When to use: Trans service members or veterans seeking peer community and policy advocacy.

Community & peer support

National Resource Directory (NRD)

Federal consolidated directory of 13,000+ resources for wounded warriors, their families, and caregivers — searchable by category, location, or keyword. Covers benefits, education, employment, housing, health, family support.

Website: www.nrd.gov
Hours: 24/7 search tool
Who it's for: Wounded warriors, service members, veterans, families, caregivers — anyone connecting a vet to services.
When to use: When you don't know where to start — search here first. NRD federates across VA, DoD, and nonprofit resources so a single search surfaces options from all of them at once.

Heads up:A partnership of DoL, VA, and DoD. The search box is the main entry point.

USO Central Florida — Tampa International Airport Center

Travel respite lounge — Wi-Fi, snacks, beverages, flight info, admin support.

Address: 4100 George J. Bean Pkwy., Suite 2441, Tampa, FL 33607 (Ticketing Level 2, behind British Airways)
Phone: 813-876-4311
Website: florida.uso.org/tampa
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Who it's for: Active duty, Reserve, Guard, retirees, dependents — valid military ID required.
When to use: Passing through TPA — stop in for a break between flights.

Wounded Warriors Abilities Ranch (Pinellas Park)

ADA-accessible adaptive-sports and recreation site: hand cycling, fishing, wheelchair sports, clinics.

Address: Located at Lurie Park, Pinellas Park, FL. Mail: P.O. Box 1035, Pinellas Park, FL 33780
Phone: 727-234-5709
Email: wwaranch@gmail.com
Website: woundedwarriorsabilitiesranch.org
Hours: Program days — check site
Who it's for: All military veterans — any era.
When to use: Vet (especially disabled) looking for community and physical activity — not clinical.

About Tampa Heroes

We educate Tampa-area veterans on all things VA — and help them buy or sell using it.

Tampa Heroes is built by Leon Smith — a licensed Florida real estate agent from a family of service — to be a clear resource for Tampa-area active-duty and retired veterans learning how their VA benefits work and how to put those benefits to use buying or selling a home. Guides are researched and re-verified. Resources are vetted and maintained. Every guide on the site is free to read.