Veterans Resource and 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.
Financial grants and disaster supply kits for injured veterans and surviving spouses.
Disaster relief funding for service members and their families, often managed via local posts.
Veteran-led rapid deployment for debris removal, clean-up, and rebuilding.
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:
Contact your mortgage servicer immediately. The VA encourages discussing forbearance or loan modifications if you cannot make payments due to a disaster.
Mortgage Support
If you previously used a Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) grant and your home is destroyed, call 877-827-3702 to discuss recovery options.
SAH Grants
Ensure your contact information is updated with the VA to receive alerts on prescription refills and mobile clinic locations.
Healthcare
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.
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.
National Archives
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 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.
Join the Mission
We invite you to share your experience to help advocate for better disaster policies and support networks.
Participate in an interview: Record your story for the national archive.
Join the Circle: Connect with fellow veteran survivors