Resources for Veterans
Connecting Chicago's veterans with the housing, benefits, mental health, employment, and basic needs support they deserve. All resources are free to access.
You've earned this support.
Navigating the system can feel overwhelming — we've done the work of gathering the most trusted, veteran-focused resources in Chicago and beyond so you don't have to search alone.
Housing
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing options for veterans in the Chicago area.
HUD-VASH Program
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
HUD-VA Supportive Housing combines rental assistance vouchers with VA case management and clinical services for the most vulnerable homeless veterans.
National Veterans Foundation Hotline
National Veterans Foundation
24/7 crisis management, information, and referral services for all veterans and their families. Immediate help finding shelter and housing resources.
Heartland Alliance Veterans Housing
Heartland Alliance
Transitional and permanent supportive housing for veterans experiencing homelessness in the Chicago metropolitan area.
VA Benefits
Disability compensation, pension, education, and healthcare benefits you've earned through your service.
Jesse Brown VA Medical Center
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Full-service VA medical center serving Chicago veterans. Offers primary care, mental health, specialty care, and benefits enrollment assistance.
Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs
State of Illinois
State-level veterans benefits including the Illinois Veterans Grant, bonus programs, property tax exemptions, and claims assistance.
DAV Benefits Assistance
Disabled American Veterans
Free, professional claims assistance from accredited VA claims agents. Help filing, appealing, and maximizing your disability and pension benefits.
Mental Health
Counseling, crisis support, and peer programs to support your mental and emotional well-being.
Veterans Crisis Line
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Free, confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.
Make the Connection
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Shared experiences and resources to help veterans and their families connect with VA and community mental health support.
NAMI Chicago
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Free mental health education, support groups, and advocacy for veterans and families in the Chicago area.
Employment
Job training, placement, and career development resources tailored to veterans transitioning to civilian careers.
American Job Center — Chicago
Illinois workNet
Free employment services including resume help, job search assistance, skills training, and veteran-priority services at Chicago-area locations.
Hire Heroes USA
Hire Heroes USA
Free career coaching, resume writing, and job placement services for veterans and military spouses. Nationwide network of veteran-friendly employers.
VOW to Hire Heroes
U.S. Department of Labor
Federal employment and training programs for veterans, including the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and vocational rehabilitation.
Food & Basic Needs
Food assistance, clothing, hygiene supplies, and other essential services for veterans in need.
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Network of food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters across Cook County. Find a food pantry near you open to veterans.
SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)
Illinois Department of Human Services
Monthly food assistance benefits for eligible veterans and families. Apply online or at a local IDHS office.
Salvation Army Chicago
The Salvation Army
Emergency food, clothing, shelter, and utility assistance for veterans and families in crisis across Chicago.
Need help finding the right resource?
Our team can connect you directly with the services you need. Reach out — no question is too small, and no situation is too complicated.