Housing
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
24/7 hotline that connects homeless veterans with VA caseworkers for emergency housing, referrals, and immediate support.
Call 1-877-424-3838 (toll-free)
Visit nvhs.org
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
VA-funded program that helps very low-income veteran families avoid homelessness through temporary financial assistance, housing support, and case management.
Apply through local SSVF providers
(call 211 in Florida to get referrals) (See VA’s SSVF website for provider list.)
Visit nvhs.org
Florida Hometown Heroes Housing Program
Visit discover.pbc.gov
Florida Housing – Hometown Heroes Program (statewide program).
(Inquire with participating lenders; no direct single office.)
The Transition House, Inc.
Address 3800 5th St., St. Cloud, FL 34769 (main facility).
Call 407-892-5700
Visit thetransitionhouse.org / orlando.gov
Healthcare
Orlando VA Medical Center (Lake Nona)
Major VA hospital serving Central Florida’s veterans with comprehensive medical, surgical, and mental health services. Provides primary care, specialties, emergency care, and rehabilitation for ~400,000 veterans in the region.
Address: 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
Call 407-631-1000
Visit lakenona.com – VA Orlando Healthcare System (Lake Nona campus).
Orlando VA Outpatient Clinic (Lake Baldwin)
Large VA clinic at the former VA hospital site, offering outpatient primary care, mental health, and select specialty clinics for veterans in the Orlando area. Provides an accessible location for veterans closer to downtown.
Address: 2500 S. Lakemont Ave., Orlando, FL 32814
Phone: 407-646-4105
Visit floridavets.org – (Part of VA Orlando Healthcare System – appointments via main VA line.)
Community Health Centers (FQHCs)
Federally funded community clinics offering low-cost or free healthcare for uninsured and low-income individuals, including veterans. These centers provide primary care and basic services on a sliding fee scale – an option for veterans not enrolled in VA care or awaiting services.
Find a nearby clinic via the HRSA Find-a-Health-Center tool or call (877) 464-4772.
(Multiple locations in Central FL; no-cost/low-cost care based on income.) nvhs.org
Employment
CareerSource Central Florida – Veterans Program
Regional workforce agency offering priority services to veterans, including career counseling, résumé and interview assistance, job referrals, hiring fairs, and training/apprenticeship opportunities. Dedicated veteran career consultants help translate military skills to civilian jobs.
Address: 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
Call 407-631-1000
Visit lakenona.com – VA Orlando Healthcare System (Lake Nona campus).
Veterans Florida (Career & Entrepreneurship)
State-created organization providing career placement, skill training (SkillBridge), and entrepreneurship programs for veterans and transitioning service members Acts as a statewide point-of-contact to connect veterans with Florida employers, job training, and startup resources.
Address: 2500 S. Lakemont Ave., Orlando, FL 32814
Phone: 407-646-4105
Visit floridavets.org – (Part of VA Orlando Healthcare System – appointments via main VA line.)
Hire Heroes USA
National nonprofit offering free job-search assistance to veterans and military spouses. Services include one-on-one career coaching, résumé writing, interview prep, networking guidance, and connections to veteran-friendly employers. Recognized as a top veteran employment charity (4-star Charity Navigator).
Find a nearby clinic via the HRSA Find-a-Health-Center tool or call (877) 464-4772.
(Multiple locations in Central FL; no-cost/low-cost care based on income.) nvhs.org
VA Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)
Federal program assisting veterans with service-connected disabilities to prepare for, find, and keep suitable. Offers career counseling, education/training benefits, and job placement support tailored to disabled veterans’ needs (formerly Vocational Rehab).
Apply through VA VR&E or call 1-800-827-1000 and ask for VR&E. (Local VA regional offices, e.g., Orlando, can assign a VR&E counselor.)
Education
Post-9/11 GI Bill & VA Education Benefits
Federal benefits that cover tuition, fees, housing, and more for eligible veterans and families to pursue college, vocational training, or certifications. The GI Bill is the primary VA program for education assistance (e.g., Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, etc.)
Visit GI Bill Website – VA.gov for online applications
Call 888-442-4551 (VA GI Bill Hotline). (Nationwide benefit program.)
Veteran Readiness & Employment (VR&E) (Chapter 31)
VA program that provides education and training for veterans with service-connected disabilities to achieve suitable employment. VR&E may fund college, technical school, or other training programs, along with career counseling and job placement support. (Note: Listed under Employment as well, due to its dual role.)
Apply through VA VR&E Services or via eBenefits.
Local VR&E office in Central FL: Orlando VA Regional Office, 1000 University Blvd., Orlando, FL 32817.
Call 407-646-4200 (Orlando VA benefits office).
UCF Military and Veteran Success Center (VARC)
The University of Central Florida’s veteran resource office provides certification of VA education benefits, academic advising, tutoring, and a study/lounge space for student veterans and military family members. Helps veterans transition from military to college life and take full advantage of their GI Bill benefits.
Location: UCF Main Campus, Addition Financial Arena, Room 420, Orlando, FL.
Call 407-823-2707
Email MVSC@ucf.edu
Visit UCF VARC – information on veteran student support.
College of Central Florida – Veterans Success Center
Resource center at CF (Ocala) that guides veterans and dependents through using VA education benefits and supports their academic success. Offers help with GI Bill paperwork, enrollment, program changes, and a dedicated lounge/community for veteran students.
Location: CF Ocala Campus, Bryant Student Center (Veterans Center), 3001 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34474.
Call 352-854-2322 ext. 1720 Email veterans@cf.edu
Visit CF Veterans Services. cf.edu
Mental Health
Veterans Crisis Line
24/7 suicide prevention and crisis hotline exclusively for veterans, service members, and their loved ones. Provides immediate, confidential support from trained responders (many are veterans) for any emotional crisis. (Dial 988 then Press 1.)
Phone: Dial 988, then press 1 (24/7).
Text: 838255.
Chat: veteranscrisisline.net/chat (Nationwide, free assistance.)
Florida Veterans Support Line (MyFLVet)
Statewide helpline for veterans needing emotional support or resource referrals. It connects callers with fellow veteran peers and counselors who can provide help with mental health, substance abuse, or any personal struggles and link to local services.
Call 1-844-MyFLVet (1-844-693-5838) or just dial 211 and ask for the Florida Veterans Support Line. (Available 24/7 statewide. Operated in partnership with Florida 211 crisis centers.)
Orlando Vet Center (Counseling Services)
A VA Vet Center providing free, confidential counseling to eligible veterans, active duty (war zone vets), and their families. Focuses on readjustment counseling, PTSD groups, and mental health support outside the hospital setting (no medical records kept). Helps veterans of all eras with transition and family counseling.
Address: 5575 S. Semoran Blvd, Suite 30, Orlando, FL 32822.
(Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm; some after-hours groups. Walk-ins welcome.)
Call 407-857-2800
Camaraderie Foundation (Orlando)
Orlando-based nonprofit that provides free professional counseling to post-9/11 veterans, active service members, and their families. Focuses on healing the “invisible wounds of war” – PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues – through confidential therapy and support groups. Also offers family fun events, mentoring, and transition assistance at no cost.
Address: 16877 E. Colonial Dr., #411, Orlando, FL 32820.
Phone: 407-841-0071
Website: camaraderiefoundation.org – online counseling request form available.
Financial Counseling & Assistance
Florida Veterans’ Foundation (FVF)
State-chartered nonprofit foundation that provides emergency financial assistance to Florida veterans facing hardships. Offers small grants for urgent needs (rent, utilities, medical bills, etc.) to prevent homelessness, and coordinates other support (dental care, mentorship, benefits info). FVF works with the American Legion’s Project VetRelief to administer aid.
Office: 2601 S. Blairstone Rd., Suite C-300, Tallahassee, FL 32399
Call 850-782-4305
Email: fvf@fdva.fl.gov
Website: helpflvets.org – contains emergency assistance application instructions.
VeteransPlus (Financial Coaching)
A nonprofit organization devoted to improving financial literacy for veterans and their families. Provides free one-on-one financial coaching by phone, budgeting guidance, debt management help, and financial education workshops to help “Heroes afford life”. Counselors (many are veterans) offer personalized support nationwide.
Call (Corporate Office): 1-888-488-8767
Email Headquarters@veteransplus.org
Visit veteransplus.org – enroll online for a personal financial coach.
Operation Homefront – Critical Financial Assistance
National nonprofit providing emergency financial grants to military families and transitioning veterans. Assists with overdue bills, housing payments, utilities, car repairs, essential family needs, etc., during financial crisesFocuses on post-9/11 wounded, ill, or struggling veterans to prevent instability.
Contact: Request help via Operation Homefront’s site (online application).
Call 877-264-3968 (toll-free eligibility info).
Florida Region: operationhomefront.org/Florida – regional offices in Tampa (serving Central FL)
Recreational Veterans’ Nonprofits
Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB)
Nationwide nonprofit building a community of veterans through physical fitness and social activities. Mission is to enrich veterans’ lives by connecting them to fellow veterans and civilians in their local community through workouts, running/biking clubs, ruck marches, and social gatherings. Central Florida chapters host weekly events (e.g. Orlando area group workouts). Membership is free via their app.
Local Chapters: Orlando, Tampa, Space Coast (and others nationwide).
Visit teamrwb.org – join online or via Team RWB app to find local events. (No specific address – community-based meetups at parks/gyms.)
Team Rubicon
Veteran-led humanitarian organization that engages veterans in disaster relief and community service missions. Leverages veterans’ skills and sense of purpose to rapidly deploy “Greyshirt” teams after hurricanes, floods, and other crises. In addition to aiding communities, it provides veterans camaraderie and meaningful volunteer opportunities (training provided).
Florida Region: TR Region IV covers Florida – volunteer opportunities across Central FL during disasters.
Visit teamrubiconusa.org – sign up as a volunteer (“Greyshirt”). (Regional admin office in Atlanta; operations are deployed to local disaster sites.)
Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing
A nonprofit offering therapeutic fly-fishing programs for disabled veterans. Uses fly tying classes, casting instruction, rod building, and fishing outings as rehabilitation and social connection. Promotes healing of PTSD and physical disabilities through the calm, camaraderie and mentorship found in fly fishing. (Active programs in Central FL through VA clinics and local fly-fishing clubs.)
Local Programs: Operate in partnership with VA facilities and fishing volunteers (e.g. programs in Orlando, Tampa, Pensacola).
Website: projecthealingwaters.org – find a program by state. (No charge to participants; all equipment provided.)
Heroes on the Water
Provides no-cost kayak fishing outings as recreation therapy for veterans, active military, and first responders. Guided kayak fishing days help participants relax, manage stress, and build camaraderie on the water. Central FL is served by volunteer chapters (e.g. Space Coast) hosting regular paddling/fishing events with all gear and lunch included.
Central FL Chapter: Space Coast Chapter (serving east Central FL).
Website: heroesonthewater.org – find local chapter schedules and register for events. (Events usually at local waterways – free for vets and families.)
Other References
- Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Homeless Veterans Programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, etc.) va.govva.gov
- Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Housing & Home Buying Initiatives (Salute Our Soldiers/Hometown Heroes down payment assistance) floridavets.orgfloridavets.org
- City of Orlando – Veterans Resources Directory (Transitional housing, employment services, financial aid, etc.) orlando.govorlando.gov
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – VA Homeless Programs Overview (HUD-VASH and SSVF descriptions) va.govva.gov
- Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Health Care Benefits in Florida (VA hospitals, clinics, and Vet Centers) floridavets.orgfloridavets.org
- Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Education Benefits (In-state tuition and tuition waivers for veterans) floridavets.orgfloridavets.org
- Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs – Employment and Training (CareerSource veteran services, Veterans Florida, etc.) floridavets.orgfloridavets.org
- Camaraderie Foundation – Mission Statement (mental health counseling for veterans and families) orlando.gov
- WUFT News (NPR) – “Veterans find healing through nature at Soldiers Freedom Outdoors” (Camp Freedom retreat benefits) wuft.orgwuft.org
- Charity Navigator – Marion County Veterans Helping Veterans USA (organization mission and services) charitynavigator.org
- AARP – “Financial Literacy Programs for Veterans” (VeteransPlus coaching, WWP financial program, USAA resources) aarp.orgaarp.org
- City of Orlando – Veterans Advisory Council Resources (Team RWB description) orlando.gov