Local Veteran Resources in Orange County

Veterans across Orange County, including Orlando, Kissimmee, Winter Park, Pine Hills, and surrounding communities, often face daunting realities like unstable housing, untreated PTSD, difficulty accessing healthcare, food insecurity, and complications navigating VA or state benefits. 

This page is designed to guide you to trusted resources and, if it still feels overwhelming, to remind you that support is available right here in your community.

If you or a veteran you know in Central Florida is seeking help with housing, benefits, food, or healthcare, the resources listed below are a strong place to start.

Where to Turn for Help in Orange County

Whether you’re looking for healthcare, housing, food, or help navigating benefits, Orange County has resources ready to support you. The challenge isn’t a lack of services; it’s knowing where to start.

Accessing Healthcare & Counseling

Orlando VA Health Care Center

• Address: 13800 Veterans Way, Orlando, FL 32827
• Hours: Mon–Fri, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Services: Primary care, women’s health, dental referrals, mental health therapies, lab work, pharmacy, telehealth options
• Who Qualifies: Enrolled veterans, bring DD‑214 or other service documents

The Orlando VA addresses the health needs of thousands of veterans annually. From check-ups to PTSD care, it connects your service with professional treatment.

Orlando Vet Center (Counseling)

• Address: 5575 South Semoran Boulevard, Suite 30, Orlando, FL
• What They Offer: Free, confidential counseling for PTSD, military sexual trauma, family therapy, relationship building, grief support
• Access: No need to be enrolled at VA; walk-ins welcome, phone appointments available

Many veterans find the Vet Center more accessible than the VA. It feels like a community space, not a bureaucratic office.

Local Community Mental Health Resources

• Central Florida Cares Network: Offers mental health evaluations and therapy sessions on a sliding-fee basis.
• Faith-based Therapy Groups: Some churches and nonprofits (e.g., Orlando First Assembly’s Veterans Ministry) offer peer-led healing circles

Benefits Assistance & Advocacy

Orange County Veterans Services

• Address: 2100 E Michigan St, Orlando, FL 32806
• Phone: 407-836-8990
• Timing: Operating hours vary. Call for availability. Clients are seen on a first-come, first served, walk-in basis only.
• What They Help With:
  • Assist with filing claims for benefits and appeals
  • Counsel on currently available VA benefits
  • Assist with obtaining military records/medals
  • Advocate on veterans-related issues at the state and national level
  • Referrals to other agencies
  • Assist with benefit plan applications for retired military survivors
  • Community outreach and educational forums on behalf of or for veterans

These state-accredited experts handle thousands of veteran claims annually. Your experience gets fair consideration in their hands.

Food Support & Basic Needs

Second Harvest Food Bank Partnership

Delivers food to dozens of church pantries each week.  Use their Food Locator to find pickup points near you. You don’t need paperwork for emergency bags, but you may need to show a photo ID.

Salvation Army Orlando

• Salvation Army Men’s Shelter
  • Address: 624 Lexington Ave, Orlando, FL 32801
  • Phone: 407-423-8581 ext. 219
• Salvation Army Orlando Social Services Department
  • Phone: 407-423-8581 ext. 216
• Salvation Army Women’s and Children Shelter
  • Address: 400 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804
  • Phone: 407.423.8581 ext. 204

The Salvation Army provides emergency financial assistance, clothing assistance, food pantry services, and shelter.

Transportation & Mobility

DAV Volunteer Transportation

Veteran volunteers drive you to medical appointments, especially at the Orlando VA. Schedule in advance through your clinic’s social work office.

LYNX Bus System

Offers discount passes to people with disabilities who get certified with their AdvantAge Fare Program. You’ll need to print the application and mail it in. Some routes run late into the evening, connecting main transit hubs.

Housing Help & Long-Term Care

HUD-VASH (Housing Choice Voucher Program)

Orlando Housing Authority works with the HUD-VASH program, which combines rental assistance for homeless veterans with VA case management and clinical services. Veterans receive a voucher to rent privately owned housing, while the VA provides medical and mental health support. This is a key resource for veterans experiencing homelessness.

Senior Resource Alliance

Supports veterans over 60 with home care and utility help and coordinates long-term care placement assistance. Has a search utility to find local resources throughout Florida.

Alwyn C. Cashe State Veterans’ Nursing Home

Located in Orlando, it provides quality, long-term, skilled nursing care to qualifying honorably discharged veterans; call to request an application.

A Simple, 4-Step Plan

1. Weight your most pressing need. Life begins to shift when you identify your focus (housing, health, benefits, food).
2. Dial one number, make one visit. Feeling overwhelmed? Select the nearest or most relevant source above and begin with that.
3. Bring what you have, not what you think you need. ID, DD-214, and even old medical records can help, but don’t delay missing forms.

Challenges Veterans Face in Orange County

Life after military service can bring a range of unexpected difficulties, especially in high-growth areas like Orange County. Many local veterans face obstacles that affect their health, housing, and overall well-being.

Common challenges include:

• Unstable or unaffordable housing, especially as rents continue to rise in and around Orlando
• Untreated PTSD, depression, or anxiety, often worsened by long wait times or limited access to mental health services
• Difficulty navigating VA benefits or discharge paperwork, which can delay care, compensation, or housing support
• Food insecurity, particularly for those living on fixed incomes or without consistent transportation
• Limited access to transportation, making it hard to attend medical appointments or job interviews

These issues often overlap, making it harder for veterans to get ahead or even maintain stability. However, support is available, and knowing where to start is the first step forward.

You’ve Made It This Far—Now Let’s Make It Count

Getting here took strength. Moving forward doesn’t mean doing it all alone. It just means taking the next right step with the right support. Whether you’re ready to ask for help, have questions, or need guidance, there are programs available to assist you.

You’ve carried enough on your own. Let this guide help you lighten the load and connect with the resources that were built for you.