Veterans Resource & Resilience Guide

Extreme weather events present unique challenges for the veteran community.

This guide serves as a central hub for the benefits and support services you have earned through your service, specifically tailored for disaster preparedness and recovery.

Immediate Support & Crisis Intervention

If you or a veteran you know is in immediate crisis, support is available 24/7. Responders are trained to understand the unique experiences of those who have served.

  • Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then Press 1.

  • Text Support: Send a text to 838255.

  • Online Chat: Visit veteranscrisisline.net/chat.

  • Emergency Care: You can go directly to any VA Medical Center. Care is provided regardless of enrollment status or discharge type.

Disaster Relief & Assistance

Several veteran-focused organizations provide direct relief following natural disasters, including emergency grants and supply kits.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Team Rubicon

  • Veteran-led rapid deployment for debris removal, clean-up, and rebuilding. teamrubiconusa.org

Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes

  • Emergency financial aid for crises including utility shut-offs and disaster-related needs. 1-888-447-2588.

Federal Benefits & Home Recovery

The VA offers specialized guidance for veterans whose homes or benefits are impacted by extreme weather. The VA serves as a centralized hub to help veterans maintain access to healthcare and benefits during disruptions. If your home is damaged:

  • Mortgage Support: Contact your mortgage servicer immediately. The VA encourages discussing forbearance or loan modifications if you cannot make payments due to a disaster.

  • SAH Grants: If you previously used a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and your home is destroyed, call 877-827-3702 to discuss recovery options.

  • Healthcare: Ensure your contact information is updated with the VA to receive alerts on prescription refills and mobile clinic locations.

Recovering Essential Service Records

A lost DD-214 can delay access to critical recovery services. There are several ways to expedite the replacement of lost or destroyed records.

  • State Veterans Affairs Offices: This is often the fastest option for obtaining a copy of your records.

  • VA Medical Centers: If you have previously filed a claim, your local facility likely has your DD-214 on file.

  • National Archives: When requesting records due to a disaster, write "Natural Disaster" in the "Comments" section of eVetRecs or the "Purpose" section of Standard Form 180 to help prioritize your request.

Community & Advocacy: The EWS Veteran Network

At Extreme Weather Survivors (EWS), we are building a space where veteran voices are central to the conversation on disaster resilience.

Peer Support & Circle Community

Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. We offer a dedicated space in our Circle community for veterans to connect with others who have faced similar challenges, sharing both emotional support and practical rebuilding advice.

The Veterans History Project

In collaboration with the Library of Congress, we are documenting the stories of veterans who supported disaster response or humanitarian relief missions. We believe the challenges and resilience of veterans must be permanently recognized as part of our nation’s history.

Veterans Story Sharing Project FAQ

  • Extreme Weather Survivors (EWS) is launching a storytelling initiative to preserve veterans’ experiences in disaster response, humanitarian missions, and disaster recovery, with eligible stories submitted to the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.

  • Any U.S. veteran is eligible:

    ✅ Any branch, any rank

    ✅ Service from WWI to present

    ✅ Must be honorably discharged and no longer actively serving

    ✅ Combat and non-combat roles welcome

    ✅ Veterans who served in disaster response, humanitarian missions, peacekeeping operations, or support/logistics roles

    ✅ Veterans who have personally experienced the impacts of natural disasters or extreme weather events (please note: personal disaster experiences outside of military service may not be eligible for inclusion in the Library of Congress collection; however, these stories may still be shared through other media platforms if desired)

  • Required:

    •  30-minute recorded interview with an EWS team member

    •  Signed consent forms (provided by EWS)

    •  Basic biographical information (name, service dates, branch)

    Optional but Valued:

    • Photos from your service

    • Letters or journals

    • Written memoirs or documents related to your service

  • EWS will focus our interview on:

    • Your military service experience

    • Deployment stories (especially disaster response or humanitarian missions)

    • How extreme weather or disasters impacted your service or personal life

    • Reflections on your service and its meaning

  • EWS understands privacy & concerns related to sensitive information. Let us guide you through sharing your story safely. We will:

    •  Review sensitive information boundaries before recording

    •  Help you navigate what can be shared publicly

    •  Never include Social Security numbers, classified details, or private information

  •  EWS records your interview 

    2. EWS handles all paperwork and submission requirements

    3. Your story joins the Library of Congress permanent national archive (if eligible)

    4. EWS keeps copies to support our veteran focused disaster preparedness work

    •  One interview session: 30 - 60 minutes

    •  Pre-interview consultation: 15 - 30 minutes

    •  EWS handles everything else  paperwork, forms, and submission

    • Preserve your legacy as part of America's historical record

    • Help other veterans learn from your experiences

    • Support the mission to better serve veterans in disaster preparedness and response

    • Honor your service by ensuring it's remembered

Ready to Share Your Story?

Contact the EWS Veterans Lead:

Join the Mission

We invite you to share your experience to help advocate for better disaster policies and support networks.

For more information on how to get involved, contact:
Charonda Johnson, charonda@extremeweathersurvivors.org, Veterans Outreach Lead, Extreme Weather Survivors