C4C has reached capacity. New applications will likely be for 2025-2026 placement
You are not alone
Important Telephone Numbers
Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255
Domestic Violence Hotline (National) 800-799-7233 (Illinois) 877-863-6338
National Veterans Foundation - Lifeline
888-777-4443
VA Suicide Hotline
800-273-TALK (8255)
VA Treatment Referral Service
800-662-HELP (4357)
Addiction Treatment
888-336-6924
Have a question?
Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals
Service Animals are trained to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities and make activities of daily life easier. C4C determines the specific tasks each of our psychiatric service dogs learn, based on the needs of the individual served. They are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read more ...
Resources for Veterans
Valuable Resources for Veterans
Veterans are a key constituent for Canines 4 Comfort. Many governmental agencies and private organizations offer a number of services and programs for veterans, their dependents and survivors. Our Military Liaison has identified several valuable resources, which we have gathered in one convenient location.
Additional Sources
This list is not intended to be a complete reference guide. If there is a resource you have found valuable, relevant, and think others would benefit, please reach out ask us to share.
General
State Veterans Services
Locations for Department of Veterans Affairs offices by state and territory.
Veterans Service Locations
The US Department of Veterans Affairs catalogs over 2,000 health care, counseling, benefits, cemeteries facilities, and their nationwide network of community health care providers in this website. Resources are searchable by city, state or zip code.
Transitioning Veterans
Submit a military records request to get your DD214 or other military service records.
Health and Benefits
Applying for Benefits
- Disability Compensation
- Add or Remove Dependent
- VA Health Care
- Education Benefits
- Pension Benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Managing Benefits
- Compensation Claim Status
- Personal Contact and Direct Deposit
- VA Payment History
- VA Letters
- Certificate of Eligibility for Home Loan
- Supporting Document Upload for Claims
Managing Health
- VA Medical Records
- VA Prescription Refills
- VA Medical Appointment Scheduling
- Hearing Aid Batteries and Prosthetic Socks
- VA Medical Provider Messaging
- DoD TRICARE® Health Insurance
Caregiver Resources
For Caregivers of Veterans. “VA values your commitment as a partner in our pledge to care for those who have “borne the battle,” and we have several support and service options designed with you in mind. The programs are available both in and out of your home to help you care for the Veteran you love and for yourself.”
Hearing Health
Please visit The Ultimate Guide to Hearing Health for Veterans for helpful information and tips related to hearing health for veterans.
National Resource Directory
A searchable database of resources vetted for Service members, veterans, family members and caregivers.
Finding a VA Hospital or Clinic
A searchable directory by state, including an interactive map
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma.net provides patients with treatment information, 24/7 online support, financial aid, and much more on our website that is medically certified as a trustworthy source of cancer information.
Mesothelioma
The Mesothelioma Cancer Network at Asbestos.net supports mesothelioma patients and their families with information and resources on top treatments, specialists, cancer centers, financial options, and more.
Housing and Homelessness
VASH Program
The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers (VAMCs) and community-based outreach clinics.
SSVF
Under the SSVF program, VA awards grants to private non-profit organizations and consumer cooperatives who can provide supportive services to very low-income Veteran families living in or transitioning to permanent housing. Grantees provide eligible Veteran families with outreach, case management, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits, which may include:
· Health care services
· Daily living services
· Personal financial planning services
· Transportation services
· Fiduciary and payee services
· Legal services
· Child care services
· Housing counseling services
In addition, grantees may also provide time-limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies, and licensed child care providers) if these payments help Veteran families stay in or acquire permanent housing on a sustainable basis.
Homeless Veterans Stand Downs
Stand Downs are typically one- to three-day events providing supplies and services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings and VA Social Security benefits counseling to homeless Veterans. Veterans can also receive referrals to other assistance such as health care, housing solutions, employment, substance use treatment and mental health counseling. Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VA Medical Centers, other government agencies and community-based homeless service providers.
PATH (California)
PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) provides the support homeless veterans need to successfully transition from living on the street to thriving in homes of their own. High quality supportive services are critical to ensuring the people we serve are able to not only move into permanent homes, but stay in those homes long-ter
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) is the resource and technical assistance center for a national network of community-based service providers and local, state and federal agencies that provide emergency and supportive housing, food, health services, job training and placement assistance, legal aid and case management support for hundreds of thousands of homeless veterans each year.
Employment
Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
Veterans may receive vocational rehabilitation and employment services to help with job training, employment, resume development, and job seeking skills coaching. Other services may be provided to assist Veterans in starting their own businesses or independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work in traditional employment.
Employment Programs for Homeless Veterans
VA’s Compensated Work Therapy (CWT) Program is a national vocational program comprised of three unique programs which assist homeless Veterans in returning to competitive employment: Sheltered Workshop, Transitional Work, and Supported Employment. Veterans in CWT are paid at least the federal or state minimum wage, whichever is higher.
Work for Warriors - Guard and Reserve
Job Postings & Unit Vacancies. The California Military Department is a diverse, community-based organization comprised of four pillars: the California Army National Guard, the California Air National Guard, the California State Military Reserve and the California Youth and Community Programs.
American Job Centers
Customers have questions, you have answers. Display the most frequently asked questions, so everybody benefits.
National Veterans Foundation Job Board
A listing of jobs across the country at companies interesting in hiring veterans
Small Business
If you are a veteran or service-disabled veteran, SBA has resources to help you start and grow your small business
Jobs for Veterans
“HIRING THE BEST MEANS HIRING MILITARY VETERANS
Veterans are disciplined, trainable, loyal, and deeply committed. They've led teams, developed strategies, and leveraged critical thinking and analytical skills all in a day's work. Our jobs for veterans help make the transition from military to civilian life easier”
Virtual Employment Services
Sponsored by the US Department of Labor, veterans.gov is a comprehensive online resource for employment services for veterans.
Addiction
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities. SAMHSA leads efforts to ensure that American service men and women and their families can access behavioral health treatment and services. For Addiction Support 24/7 Call SAMHSA: 800-662-4357 (HELP).
Substance Abuse
Veterans and Substance Abuse: The Many Sides of the Problem – Addiction Resource was founded in 2014 to provide a community for those recovering from addiction and to help patients find the highest quality care for a successful recovery. Their goal is to provide resources to help patients and their loved ones so that they may stay on the road to recovery, and can successfully overcome addiction for life.
Contingency Management Helps Veterans Stay Drug-Free
Since 2011, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has treated SUD with contingency management (CM), a technique that promotes abstinence from drugs and alcohol. The technique is simple, costs little, and boasts a high success rate. More than 4,000 veterans have participated in a 12-week contingency management program at more than 100 VA medical centers.
FREE to veterans at the VA!
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Inpatient Rehab is an organization that helps people struggling with addiction find the best treatment options in their area. Through a free search tool and nationwide database of drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health
treatment centers.
Social Support
The Mission Continues
“The Mission Continues empowers veterans facing the challenge of adjusting to life at home to find new missions. We redeploy veterans in their communities, so that their shared legacy will be one of action and service. Through the Mission Continues, veterans serve their country in new ways by engaging in our innovative and action-oriented programs. The first, The Mission Continues’ Fellowship, harnesses veterans’ strengths, skills, and their compassion and empowers them to volunteer with non-profit organizations in their community on a daily basis. The second, The Mission Continues’ Service Platoons, brings teams of veterans who are working together with partners at the local level to build stronger communities and tackle pressing issues.”
Team Red, White, and Blue
“Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.”
Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
“Founded in 2004 by an Iraq veteran at a time when there were little to no resources available for post-9/11 vets, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has quickly become the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing new veterans and their families. Now, with nearly 300,000 veterans and civilian supporters nationwide, IAVA is the only 21st Century veterans’ service organization (VSO) dedicated to standing with the 2.8 million veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan from their first day home through the rest of their lives,
Team Rubicon
“Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders to rapidly deploy emergency response teams.”
Student Veterans of America
The mission of Student Veterans of America: “To provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation.”
American Legions
“Focusing on service to veterans, servicemembers and communities, The American Legion currently has about 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide.”
Veterans of Foreign Wars
The mission of VFW: “To foster camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts. To serve our veterans, the military, and our communities. To advocate on behalf of all veterans.”
Feed Our Vets
Since 2008, Feed Our Vets has provided free food assistance to more than 20,000 Veterans and their family members, distributing 445,000 lbs. of food. Feed Our Vets mission is to help Veterans in the United States, their spouses and children, whose circumstances have left them on the battlefield of hunger,.
Veterans Legal Institute
“Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) seeks to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless and low income current and former service members so as to eradicate barriers to housing, education, employment and healthcare and foster self-sufficiency.
National Veterans Legal Service Program
“The NVLSP is a nonprofit organization that has worked since 1980 to ensure that the government delivers to our nation’s 25 million veterans and active duty personnel the benefits to which they are entitled because of disabilities resulting from their military service to our country.”
Transportation
Recycled Rides
A military/veteran support program designed to help ease the transportation burden for current military and veterans. They provide refurbished vehicles to deserving recipients. Their technicians restore these vehicles to proper driving condition.
