Philly Veterans Resource Guide

Jump To:

• Crisis Lines
• Housing Programs
• Employment Programs
• Transition Programs
• Benefits
• VA Hospitals
• Substance Abuse Centers
• Support Groups & Counseling
• Women’s Resources
• PTSD Resources
• Transportation
• Food Banks
• Advocacy Organizations
• Education

Crisis Lines

Too many veterans of our nation’s armed forces return home in crisis. According to the Veterans Administration (VA), between 2008 and 2017, more than 6,000 veterans died by suicide each year. In 2017 alone, 257 veterans died by suicide in Pennsylvania. 

If you are struggling, there are a number of organizations that offer assistance for veterans, including crisis lines. Below, we have listed a number of options for seeking immediate help in a crisis.

Housing Programs

Transitioning back to civilian life after military service can be challenging for many veterans, particularly for individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other challenges related to service. In Pennsylvania, there are numerous nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping veterans with transitional and permanent housing, and groups that offer homelessness prevention services.

Employment Programs

After separating from service, military veterans may be unsure of their next career move. The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) encourages veterans to apply for positions with the state, including through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Filing with the PA Veterans Registry allows veterans in Pennsylvania to connect with the DMVA and learn about special opportunities for veterans.

Transition Programs

For any veteran, and particularly for those who served in combat, transitioning to civilian life can be difficult. In Pennsylvania, the VA offers transitional programs that are designed to help veterans get back into civilian life after leaving military service.

Benefits

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania offers a number of benefits to help veterans and their dependents. These programs include a tax exemption for disabled veterans, educational gratuities, veteran’s homes, and pensions for blind and disabled veterans. Pennsylvania vets may qualify for one or more of these programs, particularly if they became disabled as a result of their service.

VA Hospitals

The VA offers healthcare to individuals who served in the military and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. The VA has hospitals and clinics throughout Pennsylvania, each of which offers medical care to veterans (which may include veterans of the Reserve and National Guard).

Northeast Philadelphia Vet Center
844-698-2311

Substance Abuse Centers

Military service too often results in a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially for those veterans who saw combat. There is a strong link between PTSD and substance abuse, with an estimated 2 out of 10 veterans with PTSD also having a diagnosis of substance abuse disorder. Treatment centers across Pennsylvania offer hope and healing for veterans who suffer from substance abuse disorder.

Support Groups and Counseling

Serving in the military can bring unique challenges that are often only understood by fellow veterans. Support groups, counseling and programs geared towards veterans can be an effective way of handling the issues that often arise upon returning to civilian life. In Pennsylvania, there is a range of support groups specifically for military veterans.

Women’s Resources

Female veterans face the same difficulties as other vets when it comes to military service and returning to civilian life — but may have additional challenges that arise from their service. According to the Pentagon, in 2018 alone, 20,500 service members were sexually assaulted; more than half of these victims were women. Services for female veterans that address these and other issues are available in Pennsylvania, including through the VA.

PTSD Resources

Many military veterans develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their service. While there is a range of symptoms associated with PTSD, for individuals who suffer from this condition, life can be incredibly difficult. Help for veterans with PTSD is available in Pennsylvania, including through mental health services offered by the VA.

Transportation 

Veterans with disabilities frequently have appointments at VA hospitals, centers, and clinics that may not be conveniently located. For those veterans who cannot drive or who do not have a vehicle, accessing these services can be difficult. Free or low-cost programs in Pennsylvania assist veterans with transportation to the VA and other locations.

Disabled American Veterans – Philadelphia Office
1-888-236-8313

Food Banks

For veterans who have difficulty working or obtaining the benefits that they need to support themselves and their families, food scarcity is an all too real issue. Food banks throughout Pennsylvania provide assistance to anyone in need, including veterans. In addition, there are some food bank groups that offer resources specifically for veterans.

Advocacy Organizations

If you have served in the military, you know that few people understand what you have been through — unless they are also veterans. Advocacy organizations in Pennsylvania help vets with challenges that they may experience as a result of their service, and may also provide a way for veterans to spend time together and support each other.

Education

Individuals who serve our country in the Armed Forces often make tremendous sacrifices to do so. This often includes putting their own education on hold to join the military. Pennsylvania offers a number of programs to help veterans obtain a degree and to assist their dependents as they pursue an education.