Enter a ZIP code or share your location to see the nearest mapped food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, VA facilities and Vet Centers, nearest first.

Your ZIP or location goes only to the map lookup for this search, and nothing is saved.

Open a live map search

Official locators

Nearby list uses community-mapped data, © OpenStreetMap contributors. It can be incomplete or out of date, so always call ahead. The live map search and official locators above cover more places.

You don’t have to be in crisis to call. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care. Calling is free, confidential and open 24/7.

Buddy check · S.A.V.E.

1. SSignsKnow the warning signs below. Trust your gut when something seems off.
2. AAskAsk directly: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Asking does not put the idea in someone’s head.
3. VValidateTake it seriously. Listen without judging or arguing. “I hear you. I’m glad you told me.”
4. EEncourage & expediteGet help now, not later. Call 988 and press 1 together, and stay with them.

Warning signs

• Talking about wanting to die or being a burden
• Feeling hopeless, trapped or out of options
• Drinking or using drugs more
• Pulling away from friends, family and the unit
• Rage, reckless or self-destructive behavior
• Giving away belongings or putting affairs in order
• Sudden calm after a long, deep low
• Sleeping too much or too little

Homeless, about to be, or behind on rent or a mortgage? Start with the call center. It connects you to your local VA homeless team.

Need a meal or a bed tonight? Use Rally Point above for the closest places, then call one of these to fill the gaps.

1. Name the service and your ZIPSearch food pantry 20001 or homeless shelter 20001. That finds more than “help near me.”
2. Add what you needAdd words like open Saturday, hot meal, walk-in or no ID required.
3. Ask for programs by nameSay “SSVF,” “HUD-VASH,” “GPD” or “Vet Center.” Naming the program gets you routed faster.
4. Lead with “I’m a veteran”Whether you call 211, a shelter or a clinic, say it first. Some help exists only for veterans.
5. Stick to official sourcesAdd site:va.gov or site:.gov to cut ads and look-alike sites, e.g. site:va.gov homeless Denver.
6. Hunt Stand DownsSearch veterans stand down plus your county. Supplies and services are all in one place.
7. Check faith and community groupsMany pantries run out of churches and community centers. Try church food pantry plus your city.
8. Call before you goHours change. Ask: Do I need ID? Proof of address? Is there a waitlist? What time should I arrive?
9. Never pay for helpDon’t pay for shelter lists or VA claim help. Accredited veterans service officers help with VA claims for free.

1. Save the numbers nowSave them before a bad night, not during one. Save numbers to my phone
2. Get your DD-214It’s free from the National Archives, and most programs ask for it. archives.gov/veterans
3. No address? Use General DeliveryThe Postal Service can hold your mail at a local post office, so you can still get benefits letters.
4. Use the libraryIt has free Wi-Fi, computers and outlets, and staff who will help with online forms.
5. Keep a phone onThe federal Lifeline program discounts phone or internet service for households with low income.
6. Write everything downNote the name, date and what was promised on every call. Your next call goes faster.
7. Bring a buddyTwo sets of ears at appointments. Someone to wait with you. Someone to check on you after.
8. Small wins countA meal, a shower, a call back. Stack one good thing on another. That’s how you hold the line.