What Community Referrals Make Possible

A community member may be the first person to notice that a veteran is struggling with housing. You might see a veteran sleeping in a vehicle, hear that they are having trouble paying rent, or learn that they have lost stable housing. You may want to help but not know what to do next.

You do not need to solve the situation yourself. One of the most helpful things you can do is share reliable information with the veteran and help them find a place to start. NVHS connects eligible veterans with housing assistance, prevention resources, basic needs support, and other community services. When possible, the veteran should contact NVHS directly so the team can understand their situation and determine what resources may fit their needs.

If you’re a veteran facing possible eviction, loss of power, or homelessness, use Get Help to connect with support and explore available options. 

How Community Members Can Help

Share Information Instead of Submitting a Request

Community members play an important role in helping veterans learn about available resources. However, NVHS does not recommend that community members submit a Get Help request on behalf of a veteran.

When possible, encourage the veteran to contact NVHS directly through the website or office. You can make that step easier by sharing the NVHS website or office contact information with them.

In some cases, a caregiver or friend may contact NVHS on behalf of an elderly or disabled veteran. This can provide another way for veterans who may have difficulty reaching out themselves to connect with support.

Respect the Veteran’s Choice

Housing, finances, and personal circumstances can be difficult subjects to discuss. A veteran may not feel ready to ask for help, and community members should respect that decision.

You can offer information without taking control of the situation. Consider:

• Asking whether the veteran would like information about local resources
• Sharing the NVHS website or office contact information
• Encouraging the veteran to submit a Get Help request when possible
• Offering to help them find the information they need to contact NVHS
• Allowing the veteran to decide whether and when to seek assistance

This approach gives veterans more control while making reliable resources easier to access.

Recognizing When a Veteran May Need Support

Housing Problems Can Develop Quickly

A veteran may face housing instability after an unexpected expense, financial setback, loss of income, or other change. Someone who still has a place to stay may already be struggling to keep it.

You do not need to determine whether a veteran qualifies for a particular program. Instead, look for circumstances that may indicate they could benefit from learning about available resources.

A veteran may need information or support if they:

• Are experiencing homelessness or sleeping outdoors
• Are staying temporarily with friends or family
• Are at risk of eviction or losing their housing
• Are living in a vehicle or another unstable location
• Are struggling to afford rent or utilities
• Have experienced a significant financial or personal setback
• Need help finding housing or other veteran resources

These circumstances do not guarantee eligibility for NVHS services. They can provide a reason to share information and encourage the veteran to connect with an appropriate resource.

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Please visit our Get Help page get the assistance you need.

What Happens When a Veteran Reaches Out?

NVHS Can Help Identify the Next Step

When a veteran contacts NVHS, the team can learn more about their circumstances and determine what resources may be appropriate. Depending on the situation, support may include housing assistance, homelessness prevention, street outreach, transitional housing, emergency supplies, or connections to benefits and community services.

Some programs have specific eligibility requirements, so contacting NVHS does not guarantee that a particular service will be available. The team can help veterans understand their options and connect them with other organizations when another resource better fits their needs.

When a Community Referral Is Not the Right Approach

Let the Veteran Make the Request When Possible

A community member may recognize a problem before a veteran feels ready to seek help. That does not mean the community member should submit a Get Help request for them.

Instead, share the information and encourage the veteran to reach out. This allows NVHS to communicate directly with the person seeking assistance and better understand their circumstances.

For elderly or disabled veterans who may have difficulty making contact themselves, a caregiver or friend may be able to reach out on their behalf.

Know When to Use Emergency Services

A Get Help request should not replace emergency services. If someone faces an immediate threat to their safety or a medical emergency, contact the appropriate emergency service.

Veterans experiencing homelessness can also contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 1-877-4AID-VET (1-877-424-3838) for nationwide assistance and connections to VA resources.

Share Information That Can Make a Difference

You do not need to know every housing program or eligibility requirement to help a veteran find a starting point. If you recognize that someone may be struggling, offer information, share the NVHS website or office contact, and encourage the veteran to reach out directly when possible.

Your role may be as simple as helping a veteran discover that support exists. That connection can make it easier for them to take the next step toward housing stability.

If you’re a veteran in need, please visit our Get Help page to connect with support.