Edition III

Guidebook
for
California
Incarcerated
Veterans

Notes:

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION I: USING THE GUIDE AND SEEKING HELP

5

SECTION II: PREPARING FOR YOUR RELEASE

6

SECTION III: HELP FOR VETERANS

11

SECTION IV: SEEKING FEDERAL BENEFITS

17

SECTION V: RESOURCES

21

3

FORWARD
This guidebook is for service members of the armed forces who are incarcerated. It is
designed to provide you with needed information while in confinement and to assist your
planning for release back to the community. VA has developed a program called the
Healthcare for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) to assist with your successful transition to where
you will be living. A Reentry Specialist from HCRV goes to each correctional facility
several times each year to meet with Veterans six months before their release. With a
little planning, many of the challenges commonly faced at release can be sorted out while
you are incarcerated. VA’s Reentry Specialist will first assist you with VA Healthcare
enrollment and if already enrolled to assure your paperwork is up to date. Once enrolled
with VA the Reentry Specialist will meet with you individually when you are within six
months of your earliest possible release date. Prior to that meeting VA provides this
Guidebook with important information and resources available in the region where you will
be living. With proper planning and good use of community resources this can be the last
time you are incarcerated.
This information specifically addresses Veterans incarcerated in California. Although the
primary focus is preparing for release the Guidebook has valuable information for those
Veterans with a long period of confinement ahead of them. The first sections of this
Guidebook focus on what you can do while incarcerated with later sections focusing on
information you will need after release. This is your book. Take notes as you look through
it to remind you of things you want to work on. When you are released bring this book
with you many of your needs can be addressed from the resources and services listed.
Your library can provide you with access to the Internet and many of the phone numbers
listed will open the door to help.
We would like to recognize and thank: 1) the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans
which provided basic concepts and core information for this guide through its “Planning for
Your Release” guide funded by the U.S. Department of Labor; 2) the Veterans
Incarcerated Workgroup of Walla Walla, Washington, for the concept of state-specific
information in its “Guidebook for Incarcerated Veterans” and for allowing the use of its
guide as a template for this publication; 3) Vietnam Veterans of America, Inc. for
developing the first incarcerated Veterans guidebook, which has inspired and informed
subsequent efforts; the California Department of Veterans Affairs and 4) any public
domain and agency resources included in the guidebook.
Information listed in the Guidebook is current as of April 2009. While incarcerated we
strongly recommend utilizing the counselors and teachers trained to assist you prepare for
release. Feedback, contributions and updates are welcome. Send your comments to:

VA Long Beach Healthcare System
5901 E. 7th Street
Long Beach California
Bldg 128 K245
Reentry Specialist

DVAPAHCS
795 Willow Road
Bldg 347 (180 D)
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Reentry Specialist

4

USING THIS GUIDE AND SEEKING HELP
This guide will help you to plan for release from incarceration by making you aware of
available VA and other community based resources. It is designed to provide information
important to know before your release and after your release. Each section has
information focusing on different topics, Resources, Benefits, VA Locations, etc. Until you
meet with the Reentry Specialist this Guidebook will be your best source of Veteran
information. It can also be helpful as a reference tool when you are in the community.
Finally if you prefer to seek VA assistance without any help the Guidebook provides you
with information to arrange for VA resources by mail.
While incarcerated take the time to explore each part of the Guidebook. It will help you to
begin thinking about what specifically you will need when you get out. You may find the
Needs Inventory Tool (6 pages forward) helpful with organizing your needs. Add items to
the list as you look through this handbook. Prepare back-up plans and resources in the
event your first choice doesn’t work out. Keep notes, write down names, dates and
contact information. It will help to keep all your information in this handbook. Be sure to
keep this Guidebook handy when you get released. All of the community resources were
recently updated and can be found in Section V with phone numbers and addresses.
After you are enroll with VA and are within six months of release, start planning and make
arrangements with the VA in your area. Counselors in the prison will assist you with
making contact. If you are writing to your local VA without program help address it to the
Reentry Specialist and include the following information:
… Your name and complete return address.
… Include Inmate #, return address, release date, Parole requirements and/or
restrictions, and the county of your Parole.
… Specific needs, i.e.: medical care and medications or wheelchair accessibility.
… Identify your purpose for writing and what you hope to accomplish by this contact.
… If an official at the prison is helping you plan for release speak with them about
your completing Release of Information form 10-5345 to give your permission for
VA to speak with them.

Section II of this guide is VA enrollment. We strongly recommend completing enrollment
six months prior to release so you can know what is available when you return to the
community. Section III has many resources of information and resources to look at once
you are in the community. Section IV covers basic information about seeking VA / Federal
benefits and what to do if incarcerated while collecting VA benefits. Section V includes
Resources.

5

SECTION II
PREPARING FOR YOUR RELEASE
VA ENROLLMENT
Steps To Enroll With VA
If you are already enrolled with VA Healthcare refer to the next page under the heading
“Already VA Enrolled”. If you have never applied for VA services, the following information
is important for you to know. Learning your eligibility and getting enrolled with VA
Healthcare is simple to do. The VA Reentry Specialist regularly visits the prison and will
provide assistance with submitting VA form 10-10EZ. If you are interested in meeting the
VA Reentry Specialist send a note to the prison Community Partnership Manager
indicating your interest to be included on the callout when VA visits. The Reentry
Specialist will provide you with information you need to know while incarcerated and how
to best be prepare for return to the community. When you are within six months of your
release date the Reentry Specialist can speak with you individually to learn about your
needs and provide specific information about VA and community resources available to
you. If you prefer to enroll through the mail write to the VA located closest to where you
will be living after release. The VA Healthcare Systems locations in California are listed in
Section V of this book. Indicate on the envelope that your request is for VA enrollment.

VA Enrollment Form 10-10 EZ
You are encouraged to complete the form if any of the following applies to you:
•
•
•
•
•

You do not know if you are eligible for VA Healthcare
You were previously enrolled with VA but you will be using another VA than before
You are enrolled with VA but need to update the financial information requested each
year
You were previously ineligible for VA due to income (income limits have adjusted in
2009)
You were told you were not eligible for VA but do not understand why

Eligibility is based on many factors including when you served, length of active duty, and
military discharge type and only VA can provide you with the answer. Completing this
application six months before release ensure problems with enrollment can be sorted out
and VA Healthcare is available your first day out. Commonly DD-214 Military Discharge
Papers and Separation Documents are needed to verify military service required for VA
eligibility. The Reentry Specialist can provide you with SF 180 so you can get a copy of
your a DD-214 so it is available if needed.
The Reentry Specialist they will check over your completed 10-10 EZ to make certain all
necessary information has been completed. If not properly and fully completed VA is
unable to complete your enrollment registration. All blanks on the application must be
answered. Unless your eligibility is based on a Service Connected Disability, Purple Heart
award or Prisoner of War status questions asking for financial information must be
answered; if your answer is zero please indicate 0 in the spaces provided. N/A or a line

6

cannot be accepted when asking for a dollar figure. Fields not answered could prevent
processing of the application and delay your eligibility for VA services.
Income information is for the previous calendar year. Most Veterans while incarcerated will
meet financial requirements for VA Healthcare services. If your income exceeds the
financial threshold, you may want to inquire about a Financial Waiver based on the need
for assistance due to your incarceration. The results of your VA application for Healthcare
Services will be sent to the location you indicated as your permanent address on the 10-10
EZ.

DD-214
If you have an extra copy of your DD-214 (Military Discharge Papers and Separation
Documents) submitting it with your VA application will resolve any problem verifying your
military service. The DD-214 is not required to enroll but can expedite your application
process. The Reentry Specialist will encourage you to get your DD-214 if you do not have
one in your possession. It is an excellent form of identification and will provide you with
many Veteran friendly resources in the community. You can also write to the National
Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001
to request your DD-214. If you do not have the form SF-180 request a copy of this form
and return to the location of your military record found on the reverse side of the form.

Already VA Enrolled
If you have a Veteran Identification Card (VIC) and will be returning to the same VA facility
where you previously received Healthcare Services you do not need to complete the 10-10
EZ. The Reentry Specialist may recommend you complete the 10-10EZ if you are near
release to update VA records and reduce your time waiting at the VA Business Office. If
you will be utilizing a different VA facility it is recommended to complete the 10-10EZ so
that VA is prepared to assist you. Even if your paperwork is in order consider meeting with
the Reentry Specialist. Services and resources are added continuously to each VA and
are important for you to know about. The Reentry Specialist is also available to help you
sort out problems can offer you the latest information to assist consideration of your
different options.

Correction of Military Record and Upgrade of Discharge
If results of your VA application indicate you are ineligible for VA Healthcare your letter will
explain the reason. If ineligibility was based on your military discharge type, it is possible
to pursue an upgrade. If separated from the military within the past fifteen years use DD
Form 293, Application for the Review of Discharge or Dismissal from the Armed Forces of
the United States. Your VA Reentry Specialist may have additional information to assist
your consideration and application request to your branch of the military.

Pension and Compensation
If you were receiving VA Pension or Service Connection Disability Compensation before
your incarceration the VA Regional Office servicing your benefits should be notified of your
incarceration. The benefits will be suspended as of the 60th day. Benefits paid after this
date will be considered an overpayment. When released from incarceration the benefits

7

can be reactivated by sending a copy of your release documentation to the VA Regional
Office servicing your benefits. See Section IV for important information about Service
Connected Compensation while incarcerated.

PLANNING YOUR RETURN HOME
Six Months Before Release
•

If you do not have a copy of your DD-214, complete VA Form SF-180 (Request
Pertaining to Military Records). The SF-180 may be available in the library. The
address to send the completed form depends on your branch of the military and when
you served. That information is found on page 3 of the SF-180. Your DD-214 can
take up to six weeks to arrive.

•

Begin work on the Inventory of Needs form included in this Handbook. This
information will also guide your discussions with the personnel at the prison to best
prepare for your release.

Complete the 10-10EZ. FILL IT OUT CAREFULLY. Information should be printed and
answer each blank fully. If a question does not apply answer N/A or not applicable. If the
question asks for an amount of money answer with a number; if the answer is zero write 0.
Section V on the Form 10-10EZ gives you a YES/NO option about reporting financial
information. VA is currently not enrolling Veterans who decline to provide financial
information unless other special eligibility factors exist. Please be aware if you are
enrolled without completing Sections VII, VIII, IX, and X you may be assigned to pay
applicable VA co-pay.
•

A counselor from the prison may offer to assist you with VA Enrollment and release
planning. If you want their assistance they may ask you to sign the authorization for
them to receive the results of your VA Enrollment application (10-10EZ). The
authorization form is VA Form VA 10-5345. Without your signed consent VA
information about you will not be released

•

You may enroll with VA without assistance. Request Form 10-10EZ from the VA
closest to where you will be released. Locate your VA location using the map on the
following page. Fully complete Application for Medical Benefits (10-10EZ) and mail to
the VA closest to where you will be released. The results will be mailed to the
Permanent Address indicated on your 10-10EZ Form.

8

VA Medical Centers
The VA facilities listed on this page can process your
application. There are many Community Based Outreach
Clinics also available to provide your ongoing care. Ask your
local VA about locations near you. Community Based
Outpatient Clinics can be found in Section V.

San Francisco VA Medical Center
4150 Clement Street
San Francisco, Ca 94121-1598
(415) 221-4810

VA Northern California Health Care System
10535 Hospital Way
Sacramento, Ca 95655
(916) 366-5366

VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Livermore Division
4951 Arroyo Road
Livermore, Ca 94550
(925) 373-4700

VA Palo Alto Health
Care System
Menlo Park Division
795 Willow Road
Menlo Park, Ca 94025
(650) 493-5000
VA Central California Health Care
2615 E. Clinton Avenue
Fresno, Ca 93703
(559) 225-6100

VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Palo Alto Division
3801 Miranda Avenue
Palo Alto, Ca 94304-1290
(650) 493-5000

VA Loma Linda Healthcare System
11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, Ca 92357
(909) 825-7084

VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare
11301 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, Ca 90073
(310) 478-3711

VA Long Beach Healthcare System
th
5901 E. 7 Street
Long Beach, Ca 90822
(888) 769-8387

VA San Diego Healthcare System
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, Ca 92161
(858) 552-8585

9

Inventory of Needs
You face many challenges when leaving prison. Success within the community is
accomplished by resolving the barriers. VA can be one source for addressing some of the
problems. You can use this checklist to identify your needs. The resources identified in
this Handbook and personnel at your VA can help direct you to resources and supports.

Immediate Concerns

Describe

Which county will you
Parole?
Date of Release
Housing
Clothing
Transportation to Parole
Medication
ID
Paroled to unfamiliar
location w/ few supports

Financial

Describe

Employment
Child Support/Alimony
Credit Debt
Disability/Pension Money
Motor Vehicle fines
Debt/Credit Issues

Health

Describe

Medical Concerns
Addictions Treatment
Mental Health Needs
Barriers to Working

Legal

Describe

Traffic
Child Custody
Restitution
Marital Status
Anger Management
Classes
Domestic Violence Classes
Parole Restrictions

Other:

10

SECTION III
HELP FOR VETERANS
ARRIVING AT YOUR VA
Planning for your return home is the most important factor to assure success. Where you
will live, who can help you get settled and avoid the people, places and things you know
can cause you trouble.
VA urges you to check-in with Parole as soon as you arrive to town and then head straight
for VA. Unless other arrangements have been made for you, go to the VA Patient
Business Office first. Bring any VA letters, your DD-214 if available and any ID or prison
release paperwork to help with enrollment. If you were already verified VA eligible the
Business Office will take your picture for your VA Identification card (available in seven to
ten business days). VA identification can be helpful if you have to replace lost
identification, such as state identification and Social Security Card. If you have not yet
submitted your 10-10EZ application, the Patient Business Office will guide you through the
enrollment process.
If you participated in release planning while incarcerated, arrangements can often be
made in preparation for your arrival. Many VAs have staff designated to help you at
release; remember to bring your Inventory of Needs list (found two pages back). If you
were receiving medical treatment or medication while incarcerated be sure to request your
infirmary medical records to bring with you. Your VA Primary Care Physician needs
previous medical records if you are wanting immediate refills of prescriptions.

Toll Free Numbers
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Crisis and other toll-free numbers are often listed in the front cover or first few pages of
the phone book. You may also want to check under "Social Services" in the blue or
yellow pages for hotlines and local numbers.
US Department of Veterans Affairs — www.va.gov
Benefits: 1-800-827-1000,
Medical Centers: 1-877-222-8387, or www.visn21.med.va.gov ,
www.visn22.med.va.gov
Persian Gulf War Helpline: 1-800-749-8387
Focus On Recovery Helpline - A 24-hour national alcohol and drug abuse addiction
and treatment hotline: 1-800-888-9383
National AIDS Hotline - Talk to someone who knows about HIV / AIDS and can tell you
about AIDS services in your city or state: 1-800-822-7422
National Coalition for Homeless Veterans — www.nchv.org, 1-800-838-4357
National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1-888-273-TALK (8255)

Parole
VA understands California Parole supervises most individuals released from incarceration.
VA personnel will support your efforts to comply with Parole and encourages you to fulfill
your Parole responsibilities. When you come for VA Health Services discuss with a Social

11

Worker or other VA support staff about VA input and assistance in getting settled back into
your community.
Parole may require your attendance in a meeting shortly after your release called the
PACT Meeting. At this meeting, Parole has assembled many community providers to
speak about their services and resources available to help you. You are encouraged to
use this meeting to learn about the many supports available in your community

Housing
Every VA Medical Center has a Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Coordinator
who is responsible for helping homeless Veterans access VA and community-based care.
Some VAs have a Homeless Grant and Per Diem (GPD) program providing support
services to help you gain independence with temporary housing. This program can be a
good start when you are first released. You are encouraged to ask if Grant and Per Diem
is available in your area.
Arranging for a healthy and secure place to live is vital toward rebuilding your life and
ending your legal troubles. If you come to VA, and do not have a good place to live ask
for the HCHV Social Worker to discuss living options. VA has created a specialized
position called a Reentry Specialist designated to help Veterans during their release from
prison. Watch for when they are coming to your prison so you can meet with them to
discuss release planning arrangements.

VA Grant and Per Diem Program (GPD)
Many VAs have GPD programs to help Veterans return to work. Job counseling and case
management are required for temporary housing. This provides Veterans ready to return
to work the support needed to find employment. Veterans ineligible for VA Healthcare
benefits may be eligible for GPD benefits and should ask the VA Reentry Specialist or VA
HCHV staff at their VA.

Finding & Keeping a Job
Department of Veterans Affairs Compensated Work Therapy Program (CWT) is available
to some Veterans. CWT offers structured work opportunities and supervised therapeutic
housing for at-risk and homeless Veterans with physical, mental health and addictions
problems. VA contracts with private industry and the public sector for work by these
Veterans, who learn job skills, re-learn successful work habits, and regain a sense of selfesteem. Veterans are paid for their work and given assistance with employment in the
community. Check with your VA about other employment support options.

Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Projects (HVRP)
HVRP assists Veterans with job search preparation, vocational counseling, occupational
skills training, on-the-job training, trade skills certification and licensing, and job placement
assistance and referral to supportive services. Below is a list of these services by location.

12

City of Sunnyvale
Mental Health Systems
New Directions, Inc.
North County Interfaith Council
P.A.T.H.
The Salvation Army - Los Angeles
Swords to Plowshares
The Salvation Army - Los Angeles
U.S. Vets Initiative – Long Beach
U.S. Vets Initiative – Loma Linda
U.S. Vets Initiative - Inglewood
Vietnam Veterans of California
Vietnam Veterans of California, Inc.
Vietnam Veterans of San Diego, Inc.
Vietnam Vets of North San Diego
Volunteers of America - Los Angeles
Joint Efforts, Inc.

Sunnyvale
San Diego
Los Angeles
Escondido
Los Angeles
Los Angeles
San Francisco
Los Angeles
Long Beach
March AFB
Inglewood
Sacramento
Eureka
San Diego
San Diego
Los Angeles
San Pedro

408-730-7481
858-565-2510
310-914-4045
760-489-6380
323-644-2200
213-626-4786
415-252-4788
213-553-3253
562-388-8000
951-656-6894
310-348-7600
707-578-2785
707-578-2785
619-393-2026
619-497-0142
213-622-3540
310-831-2358

Department of Labor: Employment Development Department.
Veterans receive priority in job and training referrals and other employment related
services. All Job Services Offices have specially trained staff to ensure Veterans of the
U.S. Armed Forces receive maximum employment and training opportunities. Services
can include counseling, labor market information, job referrals, job search workshops, and
job development with potential employers.

Disabled Veterans Outreach Program specialists (DVOPs) and Local
Veterans Employment Representatives (LVERs)
Job and training opportunities, with emphasis on Veterans with service-connected
disabilities. DVOP specialists provide outreach and offer assistance by promoting
community and employer support, including apprenticeship and on-the-job training.
LVERs primary duties are conducting outreach to employers, facilitating job search
workshops, and providing employment and training services to Veterans.

Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS)
Every county in California has a DORS program that helps people with disabilities find and
keep jobs. Apply for these services immediately after your release. Look in the phone
book blue pages under "Department of Vocational Rehabilitation,” or search the Internet
for "Vocational Rehabilitation" in your state.

Other Resources to Explore
Section V of this Guidebook offers many resources by county. Take some time to look
through these resources and mark the ones you may want to consider using when you
arrive to your county.

13

California has 58 diverse counties each having some resources available to help you at
the time of your release. Be sure to check for the Veteran Service Offices, Social
Services, Employment Development Department (EDD), library, spiritual centers, and
resource call centers (dial 211 is available in many counties).

Medical Services if ineligible for VA Healthcare
If ineligible for Veteran's Healthcare, free or low-cost health care may be available from
the following sources:
•
•

National Health Care for the Homeless Council has a list of health care providers
working with homeless people across the nation. For a list of providers in your state,
go to www.nhchc.org.
Free clinics are run by many local organizations and communities. Look in the phone
book blue pages under "Public Health" to contact local government office for clinics in
your area.

Special Health Information for Veterans
Individuals housed in confinement are often at greater risk of contracting health conditions
such as Hepatitis. When you are seen by a medical clinician be sure to mention your
exposure to potential health problems so they can evaluate if you are in need of treatment.

Mental Health Services
If eligible for Veterans' benefits
• Contact the Homeless Veteran Services Coordinator at the local VA Medical Center.
Call 1-877-222-8387 to find the medical center nearest you
• For readjustment counseling, contact your local Vet Center.
If not eligible for Veterans' benefits
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill lists community mental health services providers
at: www.nami.org, or call 1-800-950-6264.
• National Mental Health Association offers support groups, rehabilitation, socialization,
and housing services. Call 1-800-969-NMHA, or find a local office online at
www.nmha.org.

Substance Abuse Services
If eligible for Veterans' benefits
• Contact the Addictions Treatment Center at the local VA Medical Center. Call 1-877222-8387 to find the medical center nearest you.
If not eligible for Veterans' benefits
• The Department of Health and Human Services Drug and Alcohol Treatment Referral
Routing Service. Call 1-800-662-4357.
• Focus On Recovery Helpline - A 24-hour national alcohol and drug abuse addiction
and treatment hotline: 1-800-888-9383
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Support groups:

14

•

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/default/US_CtrOffice/ca.html

Financial Help
•
•

•

•

The American Legion provides Temporary Financial Assistance, (TFA) from its
national headquarters to help maintain a stable environment for children of Veterans.
To obtain an application, look in the phone book to contact a local post.
If you are unemployed with little or no income, you may be able to get food stamps.
Applications must be submitted only after your release. A person may normally qualify
for $85 to $100 worth of food stamps per month. Call the toll-free information number
at 1-800-221-5689, or find a list of food stamp hotlines for each state at
http://www.fns.usda.gov/fsp/contact_info/hotlines.htm. You can also contact the local
Department of Human Services, many drop-in shelters, or legal aid services to ask for
an application.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can be applied for before your release,
though you won't receive the benefits until after you are released. Food Stamps can
be applied for together with SSI. It takes about three months to review an application,
so apply well before your release date. It is best to get help filling out the application.
For detailed information or assistance, call 1-800- 772-1213 or go to: www.ssa.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a program called Emergency
Food and Shelter Program to help prevent homelessness. Contact the local Office of
the Mayor or United Way to find out about the particulars.

Legal Help
•
•

•
•

•
•

Speak with a Veterans Service Officer for help with discharge upgrades, seeking
benefits, and filing a VA claim. Find your Veteran Service Office in Section V.
Most law is state-specific. Most common legal problems are governed by the law in
the state where you live or where the problem occurred. When looking for legal help,
make sure that information you find applies to your state, or that the lawyer or other
service provider is qualified to work in your state.
The American Bar Association has a web site with guidelines about free legal services
and links to directories of legal aid offices and pro-bono programs. Go to:
www.abanet.org
Legal Services or Legal Aid offices have staff lawyers to provide free legal help to poor
clients. The lawyers are usually experts in the types of problems that poor clients
often have. Look in the yellow pages for a local Legal Aid office or check online for the
program, nearest you.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance has an online list of organizations across the nation that
provides free legal help to clients who qualify. Go to www.ptla.org/links/services.htm.
Lawyers in private practice sometimes volunteer in "pro-bono" programs to take cases
for poor clients free of charge. Check the yellow pages to contact your Local Bar
Association to learn if there is a pro-bono program in your community, or go to
www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html.

15

Women Veterans
•

Most VA Medical Centers and readjustment offices have a designated Women
Veterans Coordinator to assist women Veterans in accessing VA benefit programs and
healthcare services. Call 1-877-222-8387 for the medical center nearest you.

16

SECTION IV
SEEKING FEDERAL BENEFITS
The Department of Veterans Affairs publishes a booklet called "Federal Benefits for
Veterans and Their Dependents" that describes the types of benefits available and lists
the addresses and phone numbers for VA facilities nationwide. Write the VA Regional
Office (VARO) to request a copy.

U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs - Regional Offices - 800-827-1000
Los Angeles
11000 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
San Diego Regional Office
8810 Río San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 92108
Oakland Regional Office
1301 Clay Street, Rm 1300 North
Oakland, CA 94612
Call 1-800-827-1000 or find information about benefits at www.vba.va.gov/benefits
Eligibility for VA Benefits During Incarceration
Veterans incarcerated and incarcerated dependents may apply for the same
compensation, dependency and indemnity compensation (DIC) – service connected death
benefits – and pension benefits as Veterans who are not incarcerated. However, Congress
restricts the amount of benefits that may be paid to a Veteran or dependent while he or
she is incarcerated. These benefits are institutionalized as part of law: 38 U.S.C Sec 5313
(a), 38 C.F.R., Sec. 3.665 (a), (d), which reads as follows:
If a Veteran is incarcerated as the result of a “felony” conviction as defined by
law: “Any offense punishable by death or imprisonment for a term exceeding
one year, unless specifically categorized as a misdemeanor under the law of the
prosecuting jurisdiction.”
Then, the amount paid to a Veteran incarcerated for a service-connected
disability is generally limited by law to the 10 percent disability rate, or half the
amount of the ten percent rate if the Veteran’s disability rating is 10 percent. (If
the Veteran is rated before incarceration as 20 percent disabled or higher, he will
receive only the amount payable to a 10 percent disabled Veteran.) Incarcerated
DIC recipients will receive one-half the amount paid to a Veteran receiving
compensation payments for a 10 percent-rated disability.
A Veteran may not receive non-service connected VA pension benefits, or any
portion of these benefits, while incarcerated for a felony or misdemeanor.
However, his family may receive an apportionment of such benefits under the
procedure described above. (See 38 C.F.R. Sec.3.666)

17

One important requirement for eligibility for VA benefits is that the Veteran has to have
been issued either an honorable or general discharge, or would have received one if not
for re-enlisting. If a Veteran had two periods of service, one honorable and the other less
than honorable, he may still be eligible for VA benefits based on the honorable period of
service.
VA Medical Care can not be provided to Veterans in prison, but VA health facilities may
provide care to you after your release. Contact 1-877-222-8387 to find the medical center
nearest you.

Benefits Payments While Incarcerated
There is a 60-day "grace period" following a conviction when you may still receive full
benefits. To avoid an overpayment, it is important that you notify the VARO immediately
when you go to prison if you are receiving payments. If you do not notify the VA and
receive overpayment, you and your family will lose all financial payments until the debt is
paid.
For example, Joe is a Veteran who receives a VA pension. He commits a crime, is
convicted, and is incarcerated, but doesn't tell the VA right away and keeps getting paid
for 6 months. After serving his sentence of 18 months, he is released and applies to the
VA to have his pension restarted. He will have an overpayment which must be recovered
from the restarted benefits. Until the overpayment is recovered, Joe will have to go
without that income.
Your award for compensation or pension benefits should resume from the date you are
released, as long as the VA receives notice of release within one year. Form 21-4193,
Notice to Department of Veterans Affairs of Veteran or Beneficiary Incarcerated in Penal
Institution, available through your counselors should be completed before release, signed
by a prison official and submitted to VA Benefits Administration.

Apportionment
The Veteran can only receive a portion of the full amount payable for his or her disability
rating, the remaining balance may be “apportioned to the individual’s dependent family”.
To apply for apportionment, the Veteran must send a letter that identifies the Veteran and
the apportionment claimant and makes it clear they are requesting an apportionment of his
VA benefits to the VA Regional Office (VARO) that has jurisdiction over the Veteran’s
case. VA regulations clearly specify this apportionment amount will only go to family
members if they can show financial need for such amount. This applies to the spouse,
children, or dependent parents who are involved in the application.
In deciding whether any apportionment is appropriate, the amount of the apportionment,
and to whom it will go, the following factors are considered:
• The family member’s income and living expenses;
• The amount of compensation available to be apportioned;
• The needs and living expenses of other family members; and
• Special needs of any of the family members.
For example: a Veteran incarcerated rated as 80 percent disability can only receive the
amount he or she would get if he or she were 10 percent disabled. However, his or her

18

family may be apportioned up to 70 percent, the difference of the 80 percent rating. (DIC
may also be apportioned with similar restrictions.)
There is a 60-day “grace period” following conviction where the Veteran, or Dependency
or Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipient, may still receive full benefits. If the Veteran
continues to receive benefits after the 60-day period, it will result in an “overpayment”. The
VA considers it to be the recipient’s responsibility and fault if this occurs because the
recipient failed to notify the VA of his or her incarceration. Attempts to obtain a waiver in
these situations of overpayment are often unsuccessful. As a rule, the Veteran loses most,
if not all, financial benefits until the VA recovers the entire overpayment. It has also been a
standard procedure that the family will not be entitled to receive an apportionment until the
debt is completely recovered.
For more information concerning VA debt collection rules that may affect the Veteran
incarcerated, telephone: 1-800-827-1000 and request a Veterans Service Organization
representative or, write to a Veterans Service Organization.
One other relevant restriction on Veteran’s incarcerated eligibility for service connected
disability compensation is that: “No total disability rating based on un-employability, may
be assigned to an incarcerated Veteran”.
It is important to remember that most VA decisions, including those on apportionment, can
be appealed to the Board of Veterans Appeals and, if need be, to the Court of Appeal for
Veterans Affairs.
Re-starting Benefits at Release
It is important that each disabled Veteran receiving compensation or DIC payments
promptly notify the VARO. Regular full benefit payments should begin upon release,
providing the VA is notified of the Veteran’s release, including placement within a
community treatment center or halfway house in the community, within one year of
release. VARO needs formal notification from the prison of your release in order to restart benefits: The sooner that document is provided to VARO, the sooner VARO can
begin to process your request.

Seeking Help After Release
If you would like to get benefits or think you have a pending claim before the VA, it is best
to get professional help to assist you.
Many Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) have trained staff who can help you with
your VA claim, and can legally represent your claim before the VA. Some also help
homeless and at-risk Veterans find the support services they need. You can contact any
VSO listed in the Guidebook to learn an office near you.

Seeking Benefits on Your Own
Although we encourage you to seek the aid of a service representative, you may choose
to apply for VA benefits on your own. Write your local VA Regional Office or find the forms
online at: www.vba.va.gov/pubs/forms1.htm. You can also apply for certain benefits online
at: http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp/main.asp.

19

Below are brief descriptions of forms needed to file for certain VA benefits. Be sure you
use a return address where mail will get to you as quickly as possible. Make photocopies
of all forms for your records before sending your packet to the VARO nearest you.
•

VA Form 21-526 - Application for Compensation or Pension- must be filed to apply for
compensation or pension. Mail your DD-214 and the following forms to the VARO
nearest your release destination 30 to 45 days before your release.

•

VA Form 21-4138 - Statement in Support of Claim - lets you explain why you deserve
the benefits you are asking for because of your disability or disorder. It is best to have
an experienced service representative help you complete the form.

•

VA Form 21-4142 - Authorization for Release of Information - If you have received
medical or mental health care, that may be relevant to your claim, from anyone other
than a VA Medical Facility, you need to fill out a VAF 21-4142 giving permission for
release of medical records to the VA.

•

VA Form 10-10EZ - Enrollment for Medical Benefits - is used by the VA to determine if
you can receive medical benefits. Complete the form and bring it with you to the VA
medical facility where you will seek evaluation for treatment.

•

VA Form 28-1900 - Vocational Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans - is needed to
apply for the vocational rehabilitation program to help Veterans who were disabled
during their service reach maximum independence in daily living, to learn the skills
needed to get a job, and to find and keep a job. Send Form 28-1900 to the VARO in
your area 10 to 15 days before your release.

•

VA Form 70-3288 - Request for and Consent to Release of Information from
Claimant's Records - is used to get records relevant to your claim from VA facilities
(regional offices, medical centers, outpatient clinics, and vet centers). Request a fee
waiver under section 38 C.F.R. Sec.1.526 (h), which requires the VARO to provide a
Veteran with one set of his or her records free of charge.

20

SECTION V
RESOURCES
VA MEDICAL CENTERS
VA Palo Alto Health
Care System

3801 Miranda Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304-1290

(650) 493-5000 or 800-455-0057

Palo Alto Division
VA Palo Alto Health
Care System

795 Willow Road Menlo
Park, CA 94025

(650) 493-5000

Menlo Park Division
VA Palo Alto Health
Care System

4951 Arroyo Road
Livermore, CA 94550

(925) 373-4700

Livermore Division
VA Central California
Health Care System
VA Northern California
Health Care System

2615 E. Clinton Avenue
Fresno, CA 93703
10535 Hospital Way
Sacramento, CA 95655

San Francisco VA

4150 Clement Street San

Medical Center

Francisco, CA 94121-1598

VA Greater Los

11301 Wilshire Boulevard

Angeles Healthcare

Los Angeles, CA 90073

(559) 225-6100 or (888) 826-2838
800-382-8387 or 916-366-5366
(415) 221-4810 or (800) 733-0502

(310) 478-3711 or (800) 952-4852

System (GLA)
VA Loma Linda
Healthcare System
VA Long Beach
Healthcare System
VA San Diego
Healthcare System

11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92357
5901 E. 7th Street Long
Beach, CA 90822
3350 La Jolla Village Drive
San Diego, CA 92161

(909) 825-7084 or (800) 741-8387
(562) 826-8000 or (888) 769-8387
(858) 552-8585 or (800) 331-8387

Mailing Address for 10-10EZ, Application for Health Benefits
If you are applying for VA enrollment independently mail your application to the VA closest
to where you will be when released from incarceration.
VA Central California Health Care System
Enrollment (136)
2615 E Clinton Ave
Fresno, CA 93703

21

VA Loma Linda Medical Center
Public Affairs Office/VANS Program – (002PAO)
11201 Benton Street
Loma Linda, CA 92357
Office number (909) 825-7084 X2306
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
3801 Miranda Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94304
ATTN: 136A Admissions & Eligibility
Mail code is 0404/BO.
VA Long Beach Healthcare System
5901 E. 7th Street
Long Beach, California 90822
0404/BO
Kathy Gotschall
Supervisor, Benefits Section (136A)
VA Medical Center
4150 Clement St.
San Francisco, CA 94121
Department of Veterans Affairs
Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (04E)
11301 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90073
Department of Veterans Affairs
Sacramento Medical Center
10535 Hospital Way
Mather, CA 95655-1200
ATTN: Enrollment/Eligibility T-5
VA San Diego Healthcare System
3350 LaJolla Village Drive
San Diego, California 92161
Attn: Member Services 04-C4

Benefits
If you are receiving a Service Connection Compensation, VA Pension or Dependency or
Indemnity Compensation benefit and are incarcerated you must notify the closest regional
office of your incarceration. You can request a continuation of 10% to continue to you
during your incarceration and the remainder to legal dependents. This office can also
reactivate your benefits by submitting Form 21-4193 at the time of your release from
incarceration.

Oakland Regional Office
LA Regional Office

1301 Clay Street, Rm. 1300
Oakland, CA 94612
Federal Building, 11000
Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90024

22

1-800-827-1000
1-800-827-1000

San Diego Regional Office

8810 Rio San Diego Drive
San Diego, CA 92108

1-800-827-1000

Government Benefit Programs Available To Help You
GovBenefits.gov will help you answer that question. Our online screening tool is free,
easy-to-use, and completely confidential. We do not require your name, phone number,
Social Security number, or any other information that could be used to identify you. You
answer a series of questions about yourself, and then GovBenefits.gov returns a list of
government benefit programs you may be eligible to receive along with information about
how you can apply.
•
•

VA Web site- www.va.gov
California Department of Veterans Affairs- www.cdva.ca.gov

California State Veterans Benefits
COLLEGE TUITION FEE WAIVERS FOR VETERANS’ DEPENDENTS
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

Waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College,
California State University or University of California campus.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

ƒ

ƒ

Plan A:
The spouse, registered domestic partner, child (under the age of 27) or unmarried surviving spouse
of a Veteran who is totally service-connected disabled, or who has died of service-connected causes
may qualify.
Plan B:
The child of a Veteran who has a permanent service-connected disability. The child’s income and
value of support provided by a parent cannot exceed the national poverty level. To view this year’s
poverty level, go to www.cdva.ca.gov/VetService/Waivers.aspx. Note: All students must meet
California residency requirements.
*Note that all students must meet California residency requirements.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ

Contact your local County Veterans Service Office or the Admissions Office of any California system
campus or go to www.cacvso.org for more information and to download an application.

NON-RESIDENT COLLEGE FEE WAIVER
THE BENEFIT
ƒ

Waiver of non-resident fees (pay at California resident rate) at all State of California Community
Colleges, California State University or University of California campuses.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE

23

•

A student who is a Veteran of the armed forces of the United States stationed in this state on
active duty for more than one year immediately prior to being discharged from the armed forces is
entitled to resident classification for the length of time he or she lives in this state after being
discharged up to the minimum time necessary to become a resident.

•

An undergraduate student who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed
in this state on active duty, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for educational purposes
to a state-supported institution of higher education.

•

An undergraduate student who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse who is a
dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in this state on active
duty.

•

A student seeking a graduate degree who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United
States stationed in this state on active duty, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for
educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education. There is a two-year limit for
graduate level studies.

•

A student seeking a graduate degree who is a natural or adopted child, stepchild, or spouse
who is a dependent of a member of the armed forces of the United States stationed in this state on
active duty. There is a one-year limit for graduate level studies.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ

At the Admissions Office of any California system campus.

DISABLED VETERAN BUSINESS ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

Certified Veteran owned businesses can participate in the state goal of awarding 3% of all state
contracts to disabled Veterans through the Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 10% or greater who own at least 51% of a
business.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ

Office of Small Business and DVBE Certification
707 3rd Street, 1st Floor, Room 400
West Sacramento, CA 95798-9052
(916) 375-4940 or (800) 559-5529
http://www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/smbus

OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES
ƒ

The State DVBE Advocate
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Services Division
1227 ‘O’ Street, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95814

24

(916) 653-2573
http://www.cdva.ca.gov/VetService/DVBE.aspx

VETERANS HOMES OF CALIFORNIA
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

Professional and low cost residential, assisted living, and medical care facilities throughout
California.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Aged or disabled U.S. Veterans who are residents of California.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

To obtain additional information or an application, or to schedule a visit, contact one of our Veterans
Homes:
Veterans Home of California, Yountville (Napa County)
1-800-404-8387
Veterans Home of California, Barstow (San Bernardino County)
1-800-746-0606
Veterans Home of California, Chula Vista (San Diego County)
1-888-857-2146
(Additional information and an application may be obtain at the Veterans Homes admission page on
our web site)

Admissions.aspx
ƒ

California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Home Division
1227 ‘O’ street
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cdva.ca.gov/homes
1-800-952-5626

MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION FEES WAIVED
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

Waiver of registration fees and free license plates for one passenger motor vehicle, or one
motorcycle, or one commercial motor vehicle of less than 8001 pounds unladen weight.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Medal of Honor recipients, American Ex-Prisoners of War and “disabled Veterans” as defined in the
“Disabled Veterans License Plate” section of this pamphlet.

HOW TO APPLY

25

ƒ
ƒ

Medal of Honor recipients should complete a DMV form REG 17A, and proof of receipt of the Medal
of Honor.
Ex-Prisoners of War should complete a DMV form REG 17, and proof of former status as a POW.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ
ƒ

Applications and necessary documentation should be mailed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232
1-800-777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov

DISABLED VETERAN LICENSE PLATES
THE BENEFIT
ƒ

Waiver of registration fees and free “DV” handicap parking license plates for one passenger motor
vehicle, motorcycle, or commercial motor vehicle of less than 8001 pounds unladen weight.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

A “disabled Veteran” is any person who, as a result of injury or disease suffered while on active
service with the Armed Forces of the United States, suffers any of the following:
(a) Has a disability which has been rated at 100 percent by the Department of Veterans Affairs or the
military service from which the Veteran was discharged, due to a diagnosed disease or disorder
which substantially impairs or interferes with mobility or,
(b) Is so severely disabled as to be unable to move without the aid of an assistant device or,
(c) Has lost, or has lost use of, one or more limbs or,
(d) Has suffered permanent blindness, as defined in Section 19153 of the Welfare and Institutions
Code.

HOW TO APPLY
ƒ
ƒ

Obtain a signed doctor’s statement that indicates that the Veteran in question has a serviceconnected disability with at least one of the above listed mobility impairments, complete DMV forms
REG 195 and REG 256A, and mail the completed package to:
DMV PLACARD
P.O. Box 942869
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
1-800-777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov

FREE LICENSE PLATES
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

Free specialized license plates.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE

26

ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

a) Legion of Valor plates for recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguish Service Cross, Navy Cross
or the Air Force Cross.
b) Purple Heart Medal recipients
c) Pearl Harbor Survivors
d) Former Prisoners of War

HOW TO APPLY
ƒ

Recipients should complete a DMV form REG 17A, and provide proof they received a medal as
described above or the evidence of being stationed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Former
POW’s complete DMV form REG 17

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ
ƒ

Applications and necessary documentation should be mailed to:
Department of Motor Vehicles
P.O. Box 932345
Sacramento, CA 94232
1-800-777-0133
www.dmv.ca.gov

VETERANS PREFERENCE IN CALIFORNIA CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS
THE BENEFIT
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

Additional points added to the final score of a civil service examination as follows:
a) Open Entrance Exams: 15 points for a disabled Veteran and 10 points for other Veterans and
surviving spouses.
b) Open Nonpromotional Entrance Exams: 10 points for disabled Veterans and 5 points for other
Veterans.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

a) Veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at 10% or greater.
b) “Wartime” Veterans who served have served with honor.
c) A Veteran who served under honorable conditions for a period of at least 181 days
d) Spouses of totally disabled service-connected Veterans.
e) Unmarried, surviving spouses of a Veteran who has died of service-connected causes.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ
ƒ

Please mail an application, discharge papers, and other documents to:
State Personnel Board
Veterans Preference Coordinator
P.O. Box 944201
Sacramento, CA 94244-2010
(916) 653-1502
www.spb.ca.gov

CALIFORNIA VETERANS CEMETERY
THE BENEFIT

27

ƒ

Complete, professional burial services at no cost to Veterans ($500 fee for spouses or dependents).

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Veterans, dependents and survivors who meet USDVA eligibility requirements for burial in a national
cemetery.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ

Northern California Veterans Cemetery
P.O. Box 76
11800 Gas Point Road
Igo, CA 96047-0076
(866) 777-4533
Or visit www.cdva.ca.gov/Cemetery/Default.aspx on our website.

VETERANS CLAIMS REPRESENTATION AT U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
VETERANS AFFAIRS (USDVA) REGIONAL OFFICES
THE BENEFIT
ƒ

Professional, accredited, USDVA claims and ratings review, and representation in appellate
processes.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Any Veteran, dependent or Veteran’s survivor applying for USDVA benefits.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ

Any County Veterans Service Office (located in the county government listings in your telephone
book)
OR
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans Services Division
1227 ’O’ Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
1-800-952-5626
www.cdva.ca.gov/otherbenefits/claims.aspx on our Web Site.

FISHING AND HUNTING LICENSES
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

Reduced annual fees for fishing and hunting licenses.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Any Veteran with a 50% or greater service-connected disability.

HOW TO APPLY

28

ƒ
ƒ

First time applicants must submit proof of their service-connected disability from the USDVA.
The California Department of Fish and Game
License and Revenue Branch
1740 N. Market Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone (916) 928-5805
http://www.dfg.ca.gov/
OR any Department of Fish and Game Office.

EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE ASSISTANCE
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

Assistance in obtaining training and employment as well assistance in obtaining unemployment
insurance.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

All Veterans.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ

Service-connected disabled Veterans should contact a Veterans Employment Service Specialist
(VESS). Other Veterans should contact a Veterans Workforce Specialist (VWS) located at a local
Employment Development Department (EDD) Office (see the state government section of your local
telephone book).
www.edd.ca.gov

FARM AND HOME LOANS (CALVET)
THE BENEFIT
ƒ

Direct loans from the State of California, highly competitive rates, quick processing, unbeatable
earthquake and disaster coverage, and proven ability to work well with our homeowner Veterans.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Any Veteran who served honorably on active duty in the Armed Forces of the United States, who
resides in and wishes to purchase a farm or home in California.

WHERE TO APPLY
ƒ
ƒ

Any California Department of Veterans Affairs CalVet District Office (located in the state government
section of your telephone book), or
California Department of Veterans Affairs
Farm and Home Loan Division
1227 ‘O’ Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
1-800-952-5626
Or visit www.cdva.ca.gov/CalVetLoans/ on our web site.

29

STATE PARKS AND RECREATION PASS
THE BENEFITS
ƒ

A lifetime State of California Parks pass for only $3.50.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Any Veteran with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or greater, or a former Prisoner of War.

HOW TO APPLY
ƒ

ƒ

To apply by mail, a Veteran should submit: (1) a completed Department of Parks and Recreation
form DPR 619, (2) a letter from the USDVA verifying a service-connected disability rated at 50% or
greater, or former Prisoner of War status (3) a copy of the Veterans drivers license to verify
California residency, and (4) a check or money order for $3.50 made payable to the Department of
Parks and Recreation.
California Department of Parks and Recreation
Field Services Division
P.O. Box 942896
Sacramento, CA 94296-0001
(916) 653-4272
http://www.parks.ca.gov/

BUSINESS LICENSE, TAX AND FEE WAIVER
THE BENEFIT
ƒ

Waiver of municipal, county and state business license fees, taxes and fees, for Veterans who hawk,
peddle or vend any goods, wares or merchandise owned by the Veteran, except spirituous, malt,
vinous or other intoxicating liquor, including sales from a fixed location.

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ

Honorably discharged Veterans who engage in sales (not services) activities may be eligible.
Eligibility criteria differs based upon local jurisdiction.

HOW TO APPLY
ƒ

Bring proof of honorable discharge to your local appropriate county/city licensing authority.

PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS
THE BENEFITS
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

Property tax exemptions on the assessed value of a home of:
a) Up to $111,296 if the total household income from all sources is over $49,979 per year.
b) Up to $166,944 if the total household income from all sources is under $49,979 per year.

30

WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ
ƒ

a) Wartime Veterans who are in receipt of service-connected disability compensation at the totally
disabled rate.
b) Unmarried surviving spouses, or registered domestic partners, of Veterans who are in receipt of
service-connected death benefits.
c) Wartime Veterans who are service-connected for loss of, or loss of use of, two or more limbs.
d) Wartime Veterans who are service-connected for blindness.
Those applying for benefits should bring proof from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,
verifying receipt of service-connected disability/death benefits.

HOW TO APPLY
ƒ

The local County Assessors Office (located in the county government section of your telephone
book) or at: www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/assessors.htm.

California Veteran Service Offices
ALAMEDA COUNTY VETERANS
6955 Foothill Blvd. Suite 300
Oakland, Ca 94605
24100 Amador St., 3rd
Floor
Hayward, CA 94544
(510) 265-8271
Mon.-- Fri., 9:00am– 2:00pm 1:00pm–5:00pm

1504 Franklin St., Ste200
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 763-3904 ext 29
Wed.& Fri.9am-12pm & 1pm-5pm

AMADOR COUNTY VETERANS
11401 American Legion Way
ALL Mail – 810 Court St.
Jackson, CA 95642
Monday -- Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm
BUTTE COUNTY VETERANS
196 Memorial Way, #5
Chico, CA 95926
Mon. – Fri. 9:00am - 12:00pm / 1:00pm - 4:00pm
(530) 891-2759
CALAVERAS COUNTY
VETERANS
509 East Saint Charles Street
San Andreas, CA 95249
Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm
Outreach offices: Call 209-754-6867 for appointments
West Point
291 Main Street, Unit 1
Valley Springs
Veterans Hall 189 Pine St.
Copperopolis
Lake Tulloch Plaza 3505 Spangler Ln.
COLUSA COUNTY VETERANS

31

901 Parkhill Street
Colusa, CA 95932
Monday – Friday 8:30 – 5:00
(530) 458-0494
(925) 313-1481

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
VETERANS
10 Douglas Drive, #100
Martinez, CA 94553-4078
9:00am - 12:00pm & 1:00pm - 4:00pm
100-37th St. #1033.
Richmond, CA 94805
Tuesday 1pm - 3pm (510) 374-3241
DEL NORTE COUNTY VETERANS
810 “H” Street
Crescent City, CA 95531
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 12:00pm / 1:00pm - 5:00pm

(707) 464-2154 465-0409

EL DORADO COUNTY
VETERANS
130 Placerville Dr. Suite B
Placerville, CA 95667
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

(530) 621-5892

1360 Johnson Blvd. Suite 103A
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

(530) 573-3134

FRESNO COUNTY VETERANS
3845 N. Clark Suite 101
Fresno, CA 93726
Mon - Thurs 9:00am - 4:00pm
Fri 9:00am - 12:00pm

(559) 454-5436

GLENN COUNTY VETERANS
525 W. Sycamore St.Suite A
Willows, CA 95988

(530) 934-6524

HUMBOLDT COUNTY VETERANS
825 5th Street, Room 310
Eureka, CA 95501-1172

(707) 445-7611

IMPERIAL COUNTY VETERANS
2695 S 4th St.
El Centro, CA 92243
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

(760) 337-5012

INYO COUNTY VETERANS
County Services Building

(760) 873-7850

32

207 West South Street
Bishop, CA 93514
KERN COUNTY VETERANS
1120 Golden State Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 868-7300
455 Lexington Street
Delano, CA 93215
(661) 725-3101

750 Lake Isabella Blvd.
Lake Isabella, CA 93240

400 North China Lake Boulevard
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 375-1564 ex 226
Wed 10:00am - 3:00pm

1775 Hwy 58
Mojave, CA
661-824-7121

OPC
1801 Westwind Drive
Bakersfield, CA
661-632-1801

315 Lincoln Street
Taft, CA
661-763-2490

KINGS COUNTY VETERANS
County Government Center
Law Bldg. #4
Hanford, CA 93230
Mon – Friday. 8:00am – 5:00pm
(559) 582-3211- 2659
LAKE COUNTY VETERANS
255 North Forbes Street
Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 263-2384
3981 Veterans Way
Clearlake, CA 95422
(707) 994-0646
LASSEN COUNTY VETERANS
Veterans Memorial Building
1205 Main Street
Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 251-8192
LOS ANGELES COUNTY
VETERANS
2615 South Grand Ave, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 744-4827
335-A East Ave., K-6

17600 B. Santa Fe Ave.

33

Lancaster, CA 93535
Robert Ortiz (VSR)
(661) 723-4495

Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
(310) 761-2221

1427 West Covina Park Way, Room 100A
West Covina CA 91790
(626) 813-3402

8644 Norwalk Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90606
(562) 695-9040

17171 E. Gale Ave
City of Industry, CA 91745
(626) 854-4844

Wilshire & Sawtelle Blvd.
West Los Angeles, CA 90073
(310) 268-4690 ext 48425

Los Angeles Outpatient Clinic
351 East Temple, Rm. B-307
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 253-2677 ext. 4605

Sepulveda VA Outpatient Clinic
16111 Plummer St. Room B-114
Sepulveda, CA 91343
(818) 891-7711 Ext. 9146

MADERA COUNTY VETERANS
200 W. Fourth St.
Madera, CA 93637
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

(559) 675-7766

MARIN COUNTY VETERANS
10 North San Pedro Rd. , Suite
1010
San Rafael, CA 94903
Mon. Tues. Wed. Fri 8:00am 4:30pm

(415) 499-6193

MARIPOSA COUNTY VETERANS
5085 Bullion St.
ALL MAIL TO: P.O. BOX 774
Mariposa, CA 95338

(209) 966-3696

MENDOCINO COUNTY
VETERANS
747 S. State Street P.O. Box 839
Ukiah, CA 95482
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 12:00pm
1:00pm - 5:00pm
360 N. Harrison St.

(707) 463-4226

360 N. Harrison St.
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 964-5823
(209) 385-7588

MERCED COUNTY VETERANS
3605 Hospital Road
Suite #E
Atwater, CA 95301
Mon – Fri 8:00am 5:00pm

34

MODOC COUNTY VETERANS
211 E. First St.
Alturas, CA 96101
Mon - Fri 9:30pm - 2:15pm

(530) 233-6209

MONO COUNTY VETERANS
ALL MAIL - INYO COUNTY
County Services Building
207 West South Street
Bishop, CA 93514

(760) 873-7850

MONTEREY COUNTY VETERANS
1200 Aguajito Rd., Rm., 003
Monterey, CA 93940

(831) 647-7610 or 647-7616
Rich Garza

VA Clinic 3401 Engineer Lane
Seaside, CA 93955
(831) 883-3811
Mon-Thur 8:30am - 4:30
Fri. 9:00am to Noon

Salinas –
1000 S. Main Street, Room 107
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 796-3585 , Fax 757-3475
Mon & Wed 8:00am -5:00pm
Tues. Thurs & Fri 8:00am to Noon

NAPA COUNTY VETERANS
900 Coombs Suite 257
Napa, CA 94559
Mon - Fri 7:00am - 4:00pm

(707) 253-6072
Pat Jolly
Fax 299-1489

NEVADA COUNTY VETERANS
255 South Auburn Street
Grass Valley, Ca 95945
Mon.-Fri. 8:00am – 5:00pm

(530) 273-3396

ORANGE COUNTY VETERANS
County Operations Center
1300 S. Grand Ave., Bldg. B
Santa Ana, CA 92705

(714) 567-7450

PLACER COUNTY VETERANS
DeWitt Center
2995 First Street
Auburn, CA 95603
1880 Sierra Gardens Dr.
Roseville, CA 95661
Mon - Fri 8:30am - 4:30pm

(916) 784-6127

PLUMAS COUNTY VETERANS
Health & Human Services Office
270 County Hospital Road, Suite
107

(530) 283-6275

35

Quincy, CA 95971-9216
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

(800) 219-5295

RIVERSIDE COUNTY VETERANS
1153A Spruce Street
Riverside, CA 92507-2428
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

(951) 955-3010

Elaine Garza
Executive Assistant
(951) 955-3112 Fax 955-6061
82-675 Highway 111, Room 120
Indio, CA 92201
(760) 863-8266 Fax 863-8478
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

Senior Service Cneter
1075 N. State St
Hemet, Ca 92543
(951) 766-2566 Fax 766-2567

County Administrative Center
260 North Spring Street
Blythe, CA 92225
SACRAMENTO COUNTY
VETERANS
2007 19th Street
Sacramento, CA 95818

(916) 874-6811 / Jeff 874-6713

SAN BENITO COUNTY
VETERANS
649 San Benito Street,
Hollister, CA 95203

(831) 637-4846

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
VETERANS
175 West 5th Street, 2nd Fl
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0470

(909) 387-5516

13260 Central Ave.
Chino, CA 91710
(909) 465-5242 Fax 465-5245
Mon - Thurs 7:30am - 4:30pm

15456 W. Sage St., Ste 201
Victorville, CA 92392
(760) 843-4300 Fax - 843-2791

56357 Pima Trail
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(760) 228-5234
Tues 9:00am - 3:00pm

73629 Sun Valley Dr.
Twenty-nine Palms, CA 92277

11201 Benton St. Rm. 1F06
Loma Linda, CA 92357

VA Community Clinic
28125 Bradley Rd. Ste 130
Sun City, CA 92586

36

(619) 531-4545

SAN DIEGO COUNTY VETERANS
734 West Beech Street, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92101-2441
Mon - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
1830 West Drive, Suite 107
Vista, CA 92083
(760) 643-2049
SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
VETERANS
875 Stevenson St., Suite 250
San Francisco, CA 94103

(800) 807-5799 (415) 554-7100

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
VETERANS
105 S. San Joaquin Street
Stockton, CA 95202

(209) 468-2916

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
VETERANS
801 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93408

(805) 781-5766

SAN MATEO COUNTY
VETERANS
260 Harbor Blvd. Building A
Belmont, CA 94002
Mon - Fri 8:00am - 5:00pm

(650) 802-6598

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
VETERANS
108 E. Locust
Lompoc, CA 93436

(805) 737-7900

315 Camino Del Remedio, Bldg. 2
Santa Barbara, CA 93110

(805) 681-4500
FAX - 681-4501

511 E. Lakeside Parkway Rm. 47
Santa Maria, CA 93455

(805) 346-7160

SANTA CLARA COUNTY
VETERANS
68 N. Winchester Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 553-6000
Branch Office @ San Jose VA Clinic
80 Great Oaks Blvd..
San Jose, CA 95119
(408) 363-3000 Ext. 75544
Tues & Thurs. 8:00am – 3:00pm

37

(831) 458-7110

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
VETERANS
842 Front St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
215 East Beach Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 763-4419
Tues Only 8:30 – 4:30
SHASTA COUNTY VETERANS
2625 Breslauer Way #4
Redding, CA 96001

(530) 225-5616

SISKIYOU COUNTY VETERANS
311 Lane Street
Yreka, CA 96097

(530) 842-8010

Mt. Shasta, CA 96067
(530) 842-8010
1st Wed Call for Appointment
SOLANO COUNTY VETERANS
675 Texas St. Suite 4700
Fairfield, CA 94533-6340

(707) 784-6590

Dennis Murphy
401 Amador St.
Vallejo, CA 94590 Vet

(707) 553-5261

SONOMA COUNTY VETERANS
3725 Westwind Blvd. Suite 101
P.O. Box 4059
Santa Rosa, CA 95402

(707) 565-5960

STANISLAUS COUNTY
VETERANS
121 Downey Ave, Suite 102
Modesto, CA 95353
P.O. Box 1143 Modesto, CA 95354

(209) 558-7380

TEHAMA COUNTY VETERANS
633 Washington St. Room 15
P.O. Box 729
Red Bluff, CA 96080

(530) 529-3664

TULARE COUNTY VETERANS
205 N. L Street
Tulare, Ca 93274

(559) 685-3300

38

TUOLUMNE COUNTY VETERANS
105 E. Hospital Rd.
Sonora, CA 95370
Mon - Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm

(209) 533-6280

VENTURA COUNTY VETERANS
1701 Pacific Ave., Suite 110
Oxnard, CA 93033

(805) 385-6366

Pacific Arts Plaza Suite C
2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, Ca 93162
(805) 373-2564

970 Enchanted way
Simi Valley, Ca 93065
(805) 955-2240

YOLO COUNTY VETERANS
ALL MAIL - P. O. Box 1195
Woodland, Ca 95776
120 W. Main Street, Suite A
Woodland, CA 95695

(530) 406-4850

YUBA-SUTTER COUNTY
VETERANS
1114 Yuba St., Suite 150
Marysville, CA 95901
Mon - Fri 8:00am -5:00pm

(530) 749-4967

For questions about and assistance for applying for United States
Department of Veteran Affairs Benefits contact one of the regional offices
below or your local County Veterans Service Officer.
Veteran Services Division – San Diego
8810 Rio San Diego Drive, Room 1122
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 400-0070
Fax (619) 400-0071
Veteran Services Division – Los Angeles
11000 Wilshire Blvd, Room 5203
P.O. Box 24010
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(213) 620-2755
(310) 235-7155
Fax (310) 575-3852
Veteran Services Division – Oakland
1301 Clay Street, Room 1130 N
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 286-0627
Fax (510) 286-0653

39

County Veteran Service Officers: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (PST)
California Association of County Veteran Service Officers, INC. (CACVSO).
20100 Cedar Road North, Suite A
Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-533-6880
Fax: 209-533-6884
To locate your local County Veterans Service Officer log onto the web site below.
http://www.cacvso.org/ContentPage.asp?ContentID=71

For admission into a California Veterans Home, please contact one of the
Homes listed below:
Veterans Home of California
Yountville Campus (Napa County)
Attn: Admissions
180 California Drive
P. O. Box 1200
Yountville, CA 94599
Veterans Home of California
Barstow Campus (San Bernardino County) Attn: Admissions
100 E. Veterans Parkway
Barstow, CA 92311
(800) 746-0606
Veterans Home of California
Chula Vista Campus (San Diego County)
Attn: Admissions
700 East Naples Court
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(888) 857-2146

Veterans Homes In Development
•
•
•
•
•

West Los Angeles
Lancaster, Los Angeles County
Saticoy, Ventura County
Fresno Fresno County
Redding, Shasta County

Veteran Service Organizations
Many Veteran organizations are recognized as advocates for Veterans and can assist you
in submitting your claims for VA Benefits. You will find these organizations listed in the
phone book and are also available at your VA Medical Centers.

Social Security Administrationwww.ssa.gov

40

Apply or replace your Social Security Number identification card or submit a claim for
disability. Locating your closest Social Security Administration is easy to do. The
personnel there can assist you with applying for benefits 1-800-772-1213.

California Employee Development Department
www.edd.ca.gov/
All EDD Job Service offices have specially-trained staff to ensure Veterans of the U.S.
Armed Forces receive maximum employment and training opportunities. Services can
include counseling, labor market information, job referrals, job search workshops, and job
development with potential employers.
Many areas within California provide free resource referral by dialing 211; try it to see if the
service is available in your area. The following resources are a partial list provided for you
to try when you arrive to your community. The organizations listed may have changed or
no longer have the resources listed. Your local library or Social Service Agency will have
additional resources for you to try as well.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES
The following is a partial listing of community resources available to community members
living in that region. You will find many resources when you are released and are
encouraged to participate in the Parole PACT Meeting where local services will come to
offer their help.

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RESOURCES
Employment
CalWORKS, PenninsulaWORKS:
Comprehensive employment and training services to job seekers. Four locations:
271 92nd Street
Daly City, CA 94015
(650) 301-8440
550 Quarry Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 596-1035
2500 Middlefield Road
Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 367-0190
1200 O'Brien Drive
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 330-6490
http://www.peninsulaworks.org/

41

Next Step Center
Full array of career exploration, job skills and resume development, and job acquisition
services.
795 Willow Rd. Menlo Park 94025
(650) 566-0240
Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Compensated Work Therapy (CWT)
Provides therapeutic work experiences that assist Veterans in returning to competitive
employment in the community. Veterans must be referred by a health care provider at
the VAPAHCS, meet eligibility requirements and be actively engaged in appropriate
inpatient or outpatient treatment.
795 Willow Rd., Menlo Park 94025
(650) 493-5000 x 22219
California Department of Rehabilitation
Services and advocacy for employment, independent living and equality for individuals
with disabilities. Multiple sites in multiple counties within the San Francisco District. Call
for other local offices.
San Francisco District Office
301 Howard Street, Suite 700, San Francisco 94105-6604
(415) 904-7100 (VOICE & TTY)
(415) 904-7138 (TTY)
http://www.rehab.cahwnet.gov/
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive maximum employment and training
opportunities. Multiple Locations include:
OneStop,Source
2450 S. Bascom Avenue
(408) 369-3606

Oakland
675 Hegenberger Rd.
(510) 563-5200

Concord
4071 Port Chicago Hwy #250
(925) 602-0869

San Francisco
801 Turk Street
(415) 749-7503

Capitola
2045 40th Ave., Suite B
(831) 464-6286

San Rafael – N. Bay Job Svc
120 North Redwood Drive
(415) 473-3330

Hayward
24100 Amador St, 3rd Floor
(510) 259-3500
SWORDS TO PLOWSHARES
Job training and employment placement.
1060 Howard St.
San Francisco, 94103
(415) 252-4788
http://swords-to-plowshares.org/

42

Financial
General Assistance
Financial assistance to low-income singles, by county:
San Francisco County
1235 Mission St.
San Francisco, 94103
(415) 558-1000

San Mateo County
550 Quarry Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 596-1025

Santa Clara County
1670 Las Plumas Ave. Suite A
San Jose, CA 95133
(408) 928-3700
TANF/CalWORKS and Food Stamps
170 Otis St., San Francisco, 94103
(415) 557-5723
Veterans Benefits Administration
Compensation and pension information.
1301 Clay St. Rm 1300N Oakland, 94612
1-800-827-1000
Veterans Service Office
50 counties have a Veteran’s service office that provides assistance with claims and
services involving federal, state and local Veteran’s benefits. For complete listing visit:
http://www.cdva.ca.gov/links/states.asp
Alameda County
6955 Foothill Blvd, Ste 300
Oakland, 94605
(510) 577-3547

Monterey County
1200 Aguajito Road, Rm 102
Monterey,93940
(831) 647-7610

Contra Costa County
10 Douglas Drive, #100
Martinez, 94553-4078
(925) 313-1481

San Francisco County
875 Stevenson St., Suite 250
San Francisco, 94103
(415) 554-7100
CA only: 800-807-5799

Marin County
10 North San Pedro Rd.,
San Rafael, 94903
(415) 499-6193

San Mateo County
550 Quarry Road
San Carlos, 94070
(650) 802-6598
Santa Clara County
68 North Winchester Blvd.
Santa Clara, 95050
(408) 553-6000

43

Food and Clothing
Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties
Food distribution to low-income individuals and families. To request food call:
1-800-984-3663
San Mateo County:
1051 Bing Street, San Carlos,
94070-5320
(650) 610-0800

Santa Clara County:
750 Curtner Ave, San Jose,
95125
(408) 266-8866

Samaritan House
Free clothing distribution for Samaritan House clients
1515 S. Claremont St.
San Mateo, CA 94402
(650) 341-8309

Housing
ALAMEDA COUNTY
Operation Dignity
Transitional housing for Veterans.
1504 Franklin St., Suite 102, Oakland, CA 94612
1-510-287-8465, 1-800-686-9036
info@operationdignity.org

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Concord Shelter
Emergency shelter for the homeless.
2047-C Arnold Industrial Way, Concord 94520
925-646-5082

MARIN COUNTY
Center Point
This non-profit organization provides comprehensive social, educational, vocational,
medical, psychological, housing and rehabilitative services to combat social problems
including substance abuse, poverty, unemployment and homelessness.
135 Paul Drive, San Rafael, 94903
(415) 492-4444; www.cpinc.org
Homeward Bound of Marin
Night-to-night, long-term and transitional housing with case management to move
toward permanent housing.
199 Greenfield Ave, 2nd Floor
San Rafael, CA 94901-2622
(415) 457-9651

44

SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY
Shelter Resigration for San Francisco
Mission Neighborhood
165 Capp St.
(415) 869-7977

Tenderloin AIDS
187 Golden Gate Ave
1-415-982-5700

Bay View Hunters Point
2111 Jennings
(415) 671-1100

McMillan Drop-in
39 Fell St.
(415) 241-1180
Glide
330 Ellis St.
(415) 674-6033

Swords to Plowshares
Provides transitional housing, counseling, case management, employment and training,
and legal assistance to Veterans.
1060 Howard St., San Francisco, 94103
(415) 252-4788

SACRAMENTO COUNTY
Infoline-Sacramento
Information on available housing and other social services.
(916) 455-2160
Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center
Emergency and transitional housing for men and women.
2925 34th St., Sacramento, CA
(916) 455-2160
Sacramento Self Help Housing
Housing counseling and referral for low income persons.
1422 C Street, Sacramento 95814
(916) 444-8216 or 448-1074; www.sacselfhelp.org
Main number-1-916-341-0593
Sacramento Veterans Resource Center
Provides counseling, supportive housing, and employment assistance services.
7270 E. Southgate Dr., Sacramento CA 95823
(916) 393-8387; www.vietvets.org
Salvation Army
Homeless shelter and support services for single men and women for up to 30 days.
1200 North B St., Sacramento 95814
(916) 442-0331
WEAVE, Women Escaping a Violent Environment
Temporary shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence.
1900 K St., Sacramento 95814

45

(916) 920-2952 – 24 hour crisis line
(916) 448-2321 – General

SAN MATEO COUNTY
Homeless Veterans Emergency Housing Facility
Transitional housing on the Menlo Park VA campus.
795 Willow Road. Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 493-5000 x 22044
Clara Mateo Alliance
Provides emergency and transitional housing with case management services to
individuals, couples, and families with children.
795 Willow Road Bld 232D, Menlo Park 94025
(650) 853-8697 ext-208

SANTA CLARA COUNTY
The Emergency Housing Consortium
Emergency and transitional housing as well as a homeless drop in resource center.
2011 Little Orchard Street, San Jose, 95124
(408) 294-2100
InnVision
Emergency and transitional housing.
2011 Little Orchard St. San Jose, CA 95125
(408) 292-4286
The Shelter Bed Hotline
Telephone access to emergency housing from just South of San Francisco to San Jose.
(800)-7-SHELTER

Legal
Legal Aid Society of Santa Clara County
Free civil legal services for low-income persons.
480 N. First Street, San Jose, 95103
(408) 998-5200
Bay Area Legal Aid
Legal assistance with housing, domestic violence, public benefits, employment and
health access.
50 Fell St. 1st Flr., San Francisco, 94012
(415) 982-1300
Homeless Advocacy Project
Free legal assistance.
1360 Mission St. 2nd Flr, San Francisco, 94105
(800) 405-4HAP

46

Swords to Plowshares
Legal unit helps Veterans apply for benefits, appeal denials, and pursue upgrade in
discharge status.
1060 Howard St., San Francisco, 94103
(415) 252-4788

Medical and Mental Health
Palo Alto VA Health Care System
Full service hospital with divisions and/or outpatient clinics at the following locations:
Monterey
3401 Engineer Lane
Seaside, 93955
(831) 883-3800

Palo Alto
3801 Miranda Ave., 94304
(650) 493-5000
Menlo Park
795 Miranda Ave., 94025
(650) 493-5000

San Jose
80 Great Oaks Blvd., 95119
(408) 363-3000

Livermore
4951 Arroyo Rd. 94550
(925) 373-4700

Sonora
19747 Greenley Rd. 95370
(209) 588-2600

Capitola
1350 N. 41st St., Ste 102 95010
(831) 464-5519

Stockton
500 W. Hospital Rd, (co-located
with San Joaquin General
Hospital) 95231
(209) 946-3400

Modesto
1524 McHenry Suite 315
95350
(209) 557-6200

SF VA Health Care System
Full service hospital with divisions and outpatient clinics (OPC) at the following locations:
San Francisco Medical Center
4150 Clement St., 94121
(415) 221-4810

Santa Rosa OPC
3315 Chanate Rd., 95404
(707) 570-3855

Eureka OPC
714 F. st., 95501
(707) 442-5335

Ukiah OPC
630 Kings Ct., 95482
(707) 468-7700

Northern California VA Health Care System
Full service hospital with outpatient clinics (OPC) in the San Francisco Bay Area at the
following locations:
Oakland, Mental Health Clinic,
Army Base OPC
2505 W 14th St.,94607
(510) 587-3400

Oakland OPC
2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
94612
(510) 267-7820

47

San Francisco General Hospital
Psychiatric Emergency Services (PES)
1001 Potrero Ave., San Francisco, CA. 94110
(415) 206-8125
The Coming Home Project
Free and confidential counseling, as well as support and stress reduction workshops, for
family, friends and extended family members of military personnel who are serving,
preparing to serve, or have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring
Freedom.
121 Clement Street, San Francisco, CA 94118
(415) 387-0800 www.cominghomeproject.net
Vet Centers
Counseling for Veterans with PTSD and/or who experienced military sexual trauma.
Multiple locations:
505 Polk St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 441-5051 ext. 6931

2946 Broadway St.
Redwood City 94062
(650)299-0672

1504 Franklin St., 200
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 763-3904

278 N. 2nd St.
San Jose 95112
(408) 993-0729

Substance Abuse Treatment
Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Menlo Park Campus
Multiple treatment options:
All located at: 795 Willow Rd., Menlo Park 94025
• Homeless Veterans Rehabilitation Program
180-day residential program to address homelessness and all related issues,
including substance dependence issues as relevant.
(800) 848-7254
• Addiction Consultation and Treatment (ACT)
Substance abuse treatment services to Veterans in both outpatient and residential
treatment settings. Two residential treatment options:
(866) 717-1978
• First Step
90-day residential program to address substance dependence and all related issues.
• Foundation of Recovery
30-day residential program to address substance dependence and all related issues
SF VA Hosptial Substance Abuse Program
Outpatient substance abuse treatment is accessed through the Mental Health Service
Access Center
4150 Clement St. Bld 8, San Francisco, 94121
(415) 750-6674

48

Haight Ashbury Free Clinics
21 day outpatient medical detox, counseling and outpatient treatment groups.
529 Clayton St. San Francisco, 94117
(415) 746-1967
McMillan Resource Center
Substance abuse detox.
39 Fell St. San Francisco, 94102
(415) 241-1180
Salvation Army Adult Rehab Center
Spiritually based 12 step recovery program with strong work component.
1500 Valencia St., San Francisco, 94110
(415) 643-8028
Salvation Army Harbor Light Detox
1275 Harrison St. San Francisco
(415) 503-3000
Alcoholics Anonymous
(415) 674-1821

Narcotics Anonymous
(415) 621-8600

Northern California VA Health Care System, Oakland Army Base
Outpatient relapse prevention treatment.
2505 W 14th St, 94607
(510) 587-3400

CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RESOURCES
Employment
Employment Development Department (EDD)
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces receive maximum employment and training
opportunities. Multiple locations, including:
Marysville
1114 Yuba Street
(530) 741-4218

Sacramento
2901 50th Street
(916) 227-0301

Manteca
302 Northgate Drive
(209) 825-1300

Stockton
135 W. Fremont Street
(209) 948-7856

Merced
1205 West 18th Street
(209) 726-5407
Modesto
629 12th Street
(209) 576-6118

West Sacramento
500 A Jefferson Blvd, Ste 110
(916) 375-6300
Woodland
25 North Cottonwood Street
(530) 661-2600

49

Sacramento Veterans Resource Center
Employment readiness programs and career counseling for unemployed or homeless
Veterans.
7270 E. Southgate Dr., Sacramento CA 95823
(916) 393-8387

Financial
Sacramento County Department of Human Assistance
Administers public welfare, including CalWORKS and food stamps, for the County of
Sacramento. Main office:
2433 Marconi Ave., Sacramento 95821
(916) 875-3601
Salvation Army
Financial assistance with utility bills and rental assistance.
1225 North B St., Sacramento 95814
(916) 442-0303
Veterans Service Office – Sacramento County
50 counties have a Veteran’s service office that provides assistance with claims and
services involving federal, state and local Veteran’s benefits. For complete listing visit:
http://www.cdva.ca.gov/links/states.asp
Sacramento County
2007 19th St.
Sacramento 95818
(916) 874-6811

Fresno County
3845 N Clark St Ste 101, Fresno 93726
(559) 454-5436

Food and Clothing
Elk Grove Community Food Bank Services
Three day supply of food distributed on walk-in basis, once a month, with verification of
current address.
8820 Elk Grove Blvd. Elk Grove, 95624
(916) 685-8453
Loaves and Fishes Dining Room
Free daily hot lunch.
1321 North C St. Sacramento 95814
(916) 446-0874
Sacramento Food Bank Services
Distributes three day supply of food at three locations. Also provides clothing and shoes
for men, women, children and infants. Main office:
3333 Third Ave. Sacramento 95817
(916) 456-1980
www.sfbs.org

50

Salvation Army, Sacramento
Food closet provides food boxes up to 6 times per year.
1225 North B St., Sacramento 95814
(916) 442-0303
Emergency Food Bank
Free food distribution.
7 West Scotts Ave., Stockton 95203
(209) 464-7369
Salvation Army, Modesto
Emergency Food Assistance provides canned food stuffs to those in need.
625 I St., Modesto 96353
(209) 522-3209
Salvation Army, Fresno
Emergency Food Assistance provides canned food stuffs to those in need.
811 S. Parallel Avenue
Fresno 93721
(559) 233-0138

FRESNO COUNTY
Povarello House
Shelter and full service agency for homeless persons.
412 F St,. Fresno 93726
(559) 498-6988
Fresno Rescue Mission
Emergency shelters and homeless services for men and families, and residential drug
and alcohol rehabilitation program for men.
310 G Street, Fresno 93706 (559) 268-0839

SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
Gospel Center Rescue Mission
Emergency housing for homeless, single men. Provides food, clothing and shelter
during an incidence of homelessness. Family transitional housing program available for
single women and children.
445 S. San Joaquin St., Stockton 95203
(209) 466-2138
Stockton Shelter for the Homeless
Emergency housing and food, clothing and case management for homeless men,
women and families.
611 W. Church St. Stockton 95203
(209) 466-2605 www.stocktonshelter.com

STANISLAUS COUNTY
Central Valley Veterans Shelter
Emergency shelter for homeless Veterans. Up to 30 day stay.

51

664 Paradise Rd., Modesto 95351
(209) 522-4355
Community Housing & Shelter Services
Resources for the homeless.
823 15th St., PO. Box 881 Modesto, CA 95353
(209) 574-1149
Gospel Mission, Modesto
Emergency shelter for the homeless.
1400 Yosemite Blvd, Modesto, CA 95354
(209) 529-8259
Pathways
Provides housing referral assistance.
700 Norwegian Ave, Modesto, CA 95350
(209) 526-3809

Legal
HICAP
Health insurance counseling and advocacy.
2862 Arden Wy Ste 200, Sacramento
1-800-434-0222
Legal Hotline
Free legal services for seniors.
444 N. 3rd St. Ste 312, Sacramento
(800) 222-1753
Legal Services of Northern California
Legal aid to low income persons in 23 Northern California counties: Sacramento, Placer,
Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Nevada, Sierra, Solano, Yolo, Butte, Plumas, Glenn,
Tehama, Colusa, Mendocino, Lake, Del Norte, Humboldt, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta,
Siskiyou, & Trinity.
Sacramento location:
515 12th St. Sacramento 95814
(916) 551-2150
Central California Legal Services
Free legal assistance to low income families in the following counties: Fresno, Kings,
Mariposa, Merced, Tulare, and Tuolumne.
2014 Tulare Street Suite 600
Fresno, CA 9372l
(559) 570-1200
http://www.centralcallegal.org/

Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance
Inc.
615 California Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93304
1-661-321-9744
Central California Legal Services

52

Medical and Mental Health Services
Loaves & Fishes Genesis Mental Health Services
Free mental health program for homeless persons with no insurance and who are not otherwise
qualified for publicly funded services.
1321 North C St., Sacramento 95814
(916) 669-1536
Northern California VA Medical Center
Full service hospital with divisions and outpatient clinics (OPC) at the following locations:
Mather Field Hospital
10535 Hospital Way
Sacramento, CA 95655
(916) 843-7000

Martinez Division
150 Muir Road
Martinez, CA 94553
(925) 372-2000

Fairfield OPC
103 Bodin Circle, Building 778
Travis AFB, CA 94535
(707) 437-1800

McClellan OPC
5342 Dudley Blvd.
McClellan, CA 95652
(916) 561-7400

Mare Island OPC
201 Walnut Ave.
Vallejo, CA 94592
(800) 382-8387 or (707) 562-8200

Redding OPC
351 Hartnell Ave.
Redding, CA 96002
(530) 226-7555

Fresno VA Health Care System
Full service hospital with divisions and outpatient clinics (OPC) at the following locations:
Castle OPC
Fresno VA Medical Center
3605 Hospital Road, Suite D
2615 East Clinton Avenue
Atwater, CA 95301-5140
Fresno, CA 93703
(209) 381-0105
(559) 225-6100
South Valley OPC
1050 North Cherry Street
Tulare, CA 93274
(559) 684-8703
Vet Centers Individual, couples, group and family PTSD counseling for war zone Veterans and
any Veteran who experienced sexual trauma while serving in the military, as well as
bereavement counseling to family members who are not Veterans. Multiple locations:
Chico
280 Cohasset Rd., Suite 100,
Chico 95926
(530) 899-8549

Fresno
3636 N. 1st St. Suite 112, Fresno, 93726
(559) 487-5660

53

Rohnert Park
6225 State Farm Dr., Suite 101, Rohnert
Park 94928
(707) 586-3295

Sacramento
1111 Howe Ave., Suite 390,
Sacramento, 95825
(916) 566-7430

Substance Abuse Treatment
Options for Recovery – Sacramento County
Referral to chemical dependence recovery programs for men and women.
4875 Broadway, Suite 129, Sacramento, CA 95820
(916) 874-9754
Sacramento Veterans Resource Center
Residential drug and alcohol program.
7270 E. Southgate Dr., Sacramento CA 95823
(916) 393-8387
New Life Program
Six-month drug and alcohol dependency program for men or women.
Gospel Center Rescue Mission
445 S. San Joaquin St., Stockton 95203
(209) 466-2138
New Directions
Short and long-term residential substance abuse treatment.
P.O. Box 5070, Stockton CA 95205
(209) 870-6500
Fresno VA
Outpatient substance abuse treatment.
2615 E. Clinton Ave., Fresno 93703
(559) 225-6100
Salvation Army/ The ARC
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation for men and women.
811 S. Parallel Avenue, Fresno 93721
(559) 490-7020

54

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RESOURCES
KERN COUNTY
VA Bakersfield Community Based Outpatient Clinic
1801 Westwind Drive
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 632-1800
Veterans Assistance Foundation
Supportive housing for homeless Veterans.
1120 Golden State Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661)-868-7300

SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY
VA San Luis Obispo CBOC - Pacific Medical Plaza
1288 Morro Street, Ste.200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 543-1233
Fax: (805) 547-1179

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
VA Santa Barbara Ambulatory Care Center
4440 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93110
(805) 683-1491
VA Santa Maria Community Based Outpatient Clinic
1550 East Main Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 354-6000
The Salvation Army
Santa Barbara Hospitality House
423 Chapala Street
Santa Barbara, California
(805) 962-6281

VENTURA COUNTY
VA Oxnard Community Based Clinic
2000 Outlet Center Drive, Suite 225
Oxnard , CA 93036-0607
Phone: (800) 310-5001
VA Santa Paula Community Based Outpatient Clinic
242 East Harvard Blvd.
Santa Paula, CA 93060

55

(805) 983-6384
Catholic Charities Service sites
• Community Services, 303 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura, CA, 93001; 805-643-4694
• 80 E. Hillcrest Dr., Ste. 206B, Thousand Oaks, CA, 91360; 805-496-1113
• Community Services, 30 Flory Ave., Moorpark, CA, 93021; 805-529-0720
• Community Services, 402 N. "A" St., Oxnard, CA, 93030; 805-486-2900
OASIS/Aging (Male only), 2532 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, Ca, 93010
805-987-2083; Fax: 805-383-1318
St. Mary Magdalen Church, corner of Las Posas Rd. and Crestview.
Senior Services (OASIS) 60+, 5649 Pittman St., Simi Valley, CA, 93063
805-526-3009; Fax: 805-583- 6363
Community Action of Ventura County: 805-436-4000
• CalWORKs Community Service Program
129 Dean Dr., Santa Paula, CA, 93060; 805-525-0270; Fax: 805-525-1621
• CONVIVIR Program 940 E. Main St., Santa Paula, CA; 805-525-6616
• The Goldberg House, 946 East Thompson, Ventura, CA, 93001; 805-648-6088
HELP of Ojai, Inc.
• BUSINESS ADDRESS: 212 Fox St., Ojai, CA, 93023; 805-640-3320; Fax: 805-640-3322;
Emergency Shelter Program-Sunshine Mission for Women
• BUSINESS ADDRESS: 2600 S. Hoover St., Los Angeles, CA, 90007; 213-747-7419; Fax:
213-747-8816; 9 am - 5 pm, M - F
Homeless Information and Referral Program
2220 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA, 93010; 805-987-6712

RIVERSIDE COUNTY
Employment Services
Assists Parolees to Obtain Employment
Fresh Start
4344 Latham (Riverside)
951-781-0655
Work Force Development Center
1151 Spruce (Riverside)
951-955-3100
Labor Ready
833 B N. Main (Corona)
951-280-9297

Noble House
(Riverside)
909-376-8889
U.S. Vets
(March Air reserve Base)
951-656-6894
Victory Outreach
(Corona) 951-734-6212

Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Riverside Adult Systems of Care
1695 Spruce (Riverside)
951-358-7650

Education

56

Riverside Community Collage
(Riverside) 951-222-8402
(Norco) 951-372-7052
Riverside Adult School
(Riverside) 951-788-7185
ROP Regional Occupation Program
(Riverside) 951-826-6450

Housing
Action Alliance
(Riverside)
951-544-8733
Full Circle Outreach
(Norco)
951-737-6199
Grace House
(Riverside)
951-368-7073

Riverside County Mental Health
4275 Lemon (Riverside)
951-955-8540
Transitional Services
3839 Brockton Ave. (Riverside)
951-686-5484

Substance Abuse Treatment
California Recovery Clinics
(Corona) 951-549-8888
California Rehabilitation Center
(Norco) 951-737-2683
Substance Abuse Program
(Corona) 951-737-2962
MFI Recovery Center
(Riverside) 951-683-6596
Riverside Treatment Services
(Riverside) 951-784-8010

Hacienda Christian Living
(Perris)
951-657-3041

Food and Clothing
Arlington Temporary Services
4510 Van Buren (Riverside)
951-689-5620
Community Settlement Assistance
4366 Bermuda (Riverside)
951-686-6266
Settlement House
507 S. Vicentia (Corona)
951-737-3504

Health and Dental
Eastside Health Services
1970 University (Riverside)
951-276-0661 (Health)
951-276-0668 (Dental)
County of Riverside Health Services
Inland AIDS Project
3758 Elizabeth (Riverside)
951-683-4022

Salvation Army Thift Store
1280 E 6th St (Corona)
951-735-4410

57

Faith
Counseling
ABC Counseling
2200 Hammer (Norco)
951-734-3399
A.C.T.S.
7250 Mission (Riverside)
951-681-3115

Full Circle Outreach
(Corona) 951-545-2965
Path of Life Ministries
(Riverside) 951-786-9048
Victory Outreach Special Services
(Corona) 951-684-7771(Main number in
Riverside)

Veterans Community Baptist Church
12354 S. Mt. Vernon Ave
Grand Terrace, Ca 92313
(909) 825-8042
Food Ministries – 9:00am -2:00pm
Spiritual Counseling – Pastor Gilbert (Veteran
USN)

Other Helpful Numbers
Child Protective Services
1-800-442-4918

Veterans Affairs / New Start Program
909-503-2903

Homeless Emergency Shelter
951-278-2215

Riverside County Child Support
951-955-8163

Social Security / SSI
1-800-772-1213

Inland AIDS Project
951-683-4022

Unemployment Insurance Claims
1-800-326-8937

Riverside County Mental Health
951-955-8000

Riverside County Social Services
951-955-6400

Department of Motor Vehicles
1-800-777-0133

Riverside City Collage
951-222-8402

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Social Services
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
(909) 580-1000
Child Support Services
Loma Linda, CA
(909) 799-1790

Social Security Administration
605 N. Arrowhead Ave. Ste. 101
San Bernardino, CA
(800) 772-1213
Community Services
2-1-1

58

Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(909) 945-4342
Department of Motor Vehicles
(800) 777-0133
Department of Rehabilitation
464 W. 4th Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 383-4401
Assist those with disabilities
Inland County Legal Services
(909) 980-0982
(800) 977-4257
Office of District Attorney Victim Witness
316 N. Mt. View Ave.
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 387-6540

(888) 435-7565
Health care, counseling, food, support groups,
clothing, housing, employment and many more
California Vision Foundation
(800) 877-5738
Free eye exam and low cost glasses
Catholic Charities
(909) 880-3725
Utility assistance, housing, food,
support and HIV/AIDS services

family

Central City Lutheran Mission
1354 North G Street
San Bernardino, CA 92405
(909) 381-6921
Transitional housing for homeless, food and
HIV/AIDS services

Children’s Network
385 N. Arrowhead Ave. (2nd floor)
San Bernardino County Alcohol Drug Services San Bernardino, CA
(ADS)
(909) 387-2020
700 Gilbert Street
Child healthcare, child abuse and child safety
San Bernardino, CA
Colton Clinical Services
San Bernardino County Department of Public 2275 E. Cooley Dr.
Health
Colton, CA
(800) 255-6560
(909) 370-1777
Community Action Partnership
696 S. Tippecanoe
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County Recorder and County (909) 723-1500
Clerks Office
Food bank, family development program,
222 W. Hospitality Lane
HEAP and food stamps voucher program
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 387-8314
Cornerstone Church
Birth, death and marriage certificates
903 E. 3rd Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 856-1574
Food distribution, clothing and showers
The Rock Church
Diocese of San Bernardino
2345 S. Waterman Ave.
Sister Carmel Crimmins
San Bernardino, CA
1201 E. Highland Ave.
(909) 825-8887
San Bernardino, CA
Parolee outreach ministry and other social
(909) 475-5475
services
Spiritual assistance and social services
Frazee Center

SAC Norton Clinic

59

1140 W. Mill Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 889-4424Hot
emergency shelter

meals,

clothing

1455 E. 3rd Street
San Bernardino, CA
and (909) 382-7102
Dental, medical and substance abuse

Gang Reduction Intervention Team (G.R.I.T)
Joseph Rodriguez
(909) 793-7746
Assist parolees in getting out of gangs/24 hour
response team
Hotline for Food
351 N. Mountain View Ave.
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 387-6861
Information
about
food
programs
emergency food in San Bernardino County
Abundant Living Outreach Center
9269 Utica Ave. Ste. 105
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
(909) 987-7110 x.241
(909) 476-0300

Vista Resource Center
1595 N. D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92408
(909) 885-4645
Showers and laundry

Volunteers of America
Family Resource Center
720 South E Street
or San Bernardino, CA
(909) 885-0471
Employment assistance, GED & ESL classes,
anger management, domestic violence
support group, parenting classes, and prenatal
education (Free services for parents of a child
who is 5 or younger)

Mary’s Mercy Center
641 N. Roberts Ave.
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 889-2558
Hot meals, clothing and showers

The Way Outreach Ministries
310 W. 4th Street
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(909) 884-7117
Food baskets and lunches

Pastor for Parole Community Services Division
Ray Miller
(909) 383-4694
A.C.T.S. Alcohol Chemical Treatment Services
Rev. Patrick Garret
1123 Cactus Ave.
Rialto, CA
(909) 820-2393
Free substance abuse treatment
Alcoholics Anonymous
(909) 628-4428
(909) 825-4700

* Parole Outpatient Clinic
Carolyn Riordan
San Bernardino Parole Complex
303 W. 5th Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 383-4694 x.2057
Mental health treatment, referral
parole agent

through

People’s Choice Outpatient Substance Abuse
Treatment Center
1505 N. Highland Ave
Compass Intervention Programs
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 790-0161
Anger management and domestic violence (909) 889-6600 x.232
classes
SAC Health System
1454 E. Second Street
Dual Diagnosis Anonymous

60

201 W. Mill Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 888-9282
Substance abuse treatment and mental health
issues
Family Services Agency
1669 N. E Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 886-6737
Mental health evaluations, parenting classes
anger management and batterers program
Female Treatment
(FOTEP) Region IV
(909) 476-9624

Employment

San Bernardino, CA
Linda War
(909) 382-7152
Alcohol and drug outpatient treatment
Salvation Army Rehabilitation
303 S. Doolittle Rd.
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 889-9605

SASCA-Region IV
(909) 468-2301
Parolee must have attended a substance
Program abuse program while in prison. They may
qualify for aftercare through SASCA.

* Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery
Inland Behavioral & Health Services
(STAR)
1963 N. E Street
Dorothy Whittington
San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino Parole Complex
(909) 881-6146
303 W. 5th Street
Substance abuse treatment, mental health San Bernardino, CA
issues and anger management
(909) 806-3516
Narcotics Anonymous
Tom Kanavos
(951) 965-4708

Vista Recovery Center
939 N. D Street
San Bernardino, CA
(909) 381-5100

ORANGE COUNTY
VA Community Based Outpatient Clinics
Anaheim Professional Center
1801 W. Romneya Drive
Suite 303 Anaheim, CA 92801
Phone: (714) 780-5400

Bristol Medical Center
2740 S. Bristol Street, Suite 110
Santa Ana, CA 92704
Phone: (714) 825-3500

10210 Orr & Day Road
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: (562) 864-5565
Office Hours: 8:00am - 4:30pm Mon - Fri

Laguna Hills VA CBOC
25292 McIntyre St.
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 269-0700

Resources for Homeless
Aids Services
Foundation
Mercy House Center

Emmanuel House

Financial, Rent,
Utilities
Prescriptions, DMV
funds, bus vouchers,
hygiene
Shelter

61

Orange County

949-809-5700

Santa Ana (only)

714-836-7188

Santa Ana

714-836-7188

First Southern Baptist
Church
Friendship Shelter
O.C. Rescue Mission
Orange Coast
Interfaith
Precious Life Shelter
Salvation Army
Hospitality House
Toby’s House
Anaheim Interfaith
Shelter
Serving People in
Need
Shelter for the
Homeless SRO
Fullerton City Lights
SRO
Irvine Inn SRO
Park Place Village
SRO
Families Forward
Friendship Shelter
John Henry
Foundation
Interfaith Shelter
Network

On-site meals,
groceries, counsel
Shelter for men and
women
Shelter
Families shelter
Pregnant women 18+
7 day Shelter for ind.
Or family
Pregnant women 18+
Family Shelter

Buena Park

714-522-7201

Laguna Beach

949-494-6928

Santa Ana
Costa Mesa

1-714-247-4300
800-775-7213

Los Alamitos
Santa Ana

562-431-5025
714-542-9576

South Orange
County
Anaheim

949-661-4408
714-774-8502

Homeless Families, 2
year program, 1 adult
must be FT employed
Single employed

Costa Mesa

714-751-1101

Midway City

714-897-3221

Adults w/ children

Fullerton

714-52-54751

Single Adults
Single Adults

Irvine
Costa Mesa

949-551-7999
949-646-7804

Low income housing
for families
Single men, single
women
Seriously Mentally Ill

Irvine

949-552-2727

Laguna Beach

949-494-6928

Santa Ana

714-480-0025

Single, employable

Fullerton

714-738-0534

Veteran’s Services
VA Healthcare Long
Beach
Veteran’s First

Veteran’s Service
Office

Full Service Medical
Center
Shelter Program 40%
of income, assistance
to return to
independence
Claims Assistance

Long Beach

562-826-8000

Santa Ana

714-547-0615

Santa Ana

714-567-7450

Vocational Rehabilitation
U.S. Vets/ Villages at
Cabrillo

Transitional Housing,
case management
assistance

Long Beach

62

562-388-8000

Anaheim Veterans
Center
Goodwill Industries
Project Independence
Rehabilitation Institute
of Southern Orange
County – Rio Orange
California Dept of
Rehabilitation

Counseling (specific to
combat), job referral
services
Employment
assistance disabled
Employment
assistance disabled
Employment
assistance disabled

Anaheim

714-776-0161

Tustin

714-547-6301

Costa Mesa

714-549-3464

Orange

714-680-6060

Employment
assistance disabled

Anaheim

714-991-0800

Santa Ana

714-668-1130

Garden Grove

800-660-4232

Newport Beach

949-642-6060

Santa Ana

714-547-2227

Santa Ana

714-834-8899

Financial Assistance
Catholic Charities
Community Action
Partnership
Fish of the Harbor
Consumer Credit
Counseling
Social Services
Agency

Advice, guidance,
some financial
Advice, guidance,
some financial
Advice, guidance,
some financial
Financial problem
solutions
Advice, guidance,
some financial

LOS ANGELES COUNTY
VA Healthcare Locations
VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
Full Service Hospital
11301 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90073
(310) 478-3711

VA Long Beach Healthcare System
Full Service Hospital
5901 East 7th Street
Long Beach, CA 90822
(562) 826-8000

Sepulveda Outpatient Clinic and Nursing
Home
16111 Plummer Street
North Hills, CA 91343
(818) 891-7711 or (800) 516-4567

VA Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center
351 East Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 253-2677

Lancaster CBOC
547 West Lancaster Boulevard
Lancaster, CA 93536
Phone: (661)729-8655 or (800) 515-0031
Fax: (661) 729-8656

Pasadena CBOC
420 W. Las Tunas Drive
San Gabriel, CA 91776
(626) 289-5973

63

Gardena CBOC
1251 Redondo Beach Blvd, 3rd Floor
Gardena, CA 90247
Phone: (310) 851-4705

East Los Angeles Community Based Outpatient
5426 E. Olympic Boulevard
City of Commerce, CA 90040
Phone: (323) 725-7557
Fax: (323)725-7577

Lynwood CBOC
3737 Martin Luther King Blvd. Suite 515
Lynwood, CA 90262
Phone: 310-537-6825

Shelter and Housing
Harbor View House
921 S. Beacon St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
310-547-3341

Rainbow Services Ltd.
453 W. 7th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731-3207
310-547-9343

Multi-Service Center
1301 W. 12th St.
Long Beach, CA 90813
562-436-3533

National Mental Health AssociaLong Beach Family Shelter for the
Homeless
Greater Los Angeles
123 E. 14th St.
456 Elm Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90813
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-591-1351
562-437-6717
Salvation Army Corps Community
Wecan House
Center - Compton
505 S. Pacific Ave.
736 E. Compton Blvd.
San Pedro, CA 90731
Compton, CA 90221
310-784-0194
310-639-0362

Beacon Light Mission
525 N. Broad Ave.
Wilmington, CA 90744
310-830-7063

Floodgates of Faith Christian Salvation Army Westwood
Ministries (Women w/ children Transitional Village
1401 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
2515 N. Santa Fe Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Compton, CA 90222
310-477-9539
1-310-638-0176
California Council for Veterans'
US Veterans Initiative Inc.
Affairs, Inc. (women’s)
Westside Residence Hall
2501 W. Florence Ave.
735 S. Hindry Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90043
Inglewood, CA 90301
310-348-7600
African Community Resource CYMCA Hollywood
1553 N. Schrader Blvd.
Inc.
Hollywood, CA 90028
3540 Wilshire Blvd.,
323-467-2901
Ste. 804
Los Angeles, CA 90010
800-496-2525
213-637-1450
Hospitality House – Whittier
Our Saviour Center
7926 S. Pickering Ave.
4368 Santa Anita Ave.
Whittier, CA 90602
El Monte, CA 91731
562-698-8348
626-579-0290

US Veterans Initiative Inc
Villages of Cabrillo
2001 River Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90810
(562) 388-8000
Friends Helping Friends Sober
and Transitional Living, Inc.
3701 Cherrywood Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90018
323-293-9778
First Step Sober Living
Foundation
6214 S. Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90047
323-971-2287

64

Bell Shelter Salvation Army
736 E. Compton Blvd.
Compton, CA 90221
310-639-0362

Gospel Missions of America
1803 Nausika Ave.
Rowland Heights, CA 91748
626-965-8922

West Covina Community
Services Center
415 S. Glendora Ave., Ste. F
West Covina, CA 91790

St. Joseph Homeless Service Cente
373 Rose Ave.
Venice, CA 90291
310-399-6878

American Philanthropy
Association - Don King Shelter
8770 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90003
323-971-4432

Essential Needs
Long Beach Department of Salvation Army Family Service
Office - Long Beach
Health and
455 E. Spring St.
Human Services
Long Beach, CA 90806
2525 Grand Ave.
562-426-7637
Long Beach, CA 90815
888-942-2229
Bureau of Workforce Service Bureau of Workforce
17600-A Santa Fe Ave.
923 E. Redondo Blvd.
Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221
Inglewood, CA 90302
310-349-5691
310-412-5111
St. Mark's Evangelical
Social Services at Blessed
Lutheran Church
Sacrament
3651 S. Vermont Ave.
6636 Selma Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-731-2157
323-731-2157
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
St. Vincent's Cardinal
Charities Program
Manning Center
555 W. Temple St.
231 Winston St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-680-5231
213-229-9963
Brownson House Community Bureau of Workforce Services
Center
813 E. 4th Place
1307 Warren St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Los Angeles, CA 90033
213-974-9192
323-264-8700
Lutheran Social Services of St. Francis Center
1041 E. 7th St.
Southern California
Long Beach, CA 90813
1611 Pine Ave.
562-599-6474
Long Beach, CA 90813
562-599-1321
Eastmont Community Center
Clothes the Deal
701 S. Hoefner Ave.
9525 Imperial Hwy.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Downey, CA 90242
323-726-7998
562-922-8635
Eastmont Community Center Compton Welfare Rights
701 S. Hoefner Ave.
528 W. Almond St.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Compton, CA 90220
323-726-7998
310-603-7412

Catholic Charities Community
Services of Long Beach
123 E. 14th St.
Long Beach, CA 90813
562-591-1354

California Council for VeteranBeyond Shelter - Broadway Village

Ascension Church Food Program

65

Whittier Area First Day Coalition
12426 Whittier Blvd.
Whittier, CA 90602
562-693-4097
Weingart Access Center
506 S. Main St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-624-3370
Safe Harbor Women's Clinic
721 E. 5th St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
213-622-5253
Bureau of Workforce Services
2855 E. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
323-260-2941
Christian Outreach in Action
515 E. 3rd St.
Long Beach, CA 90802
562-432-1440
Salvation Army Corps Communi
Center - Huntington Park
2965 E. Gage Ave.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
323-587-4221
Fruit of the Vine Ministries
3002 W. Florence Ave.
562-692-4811
Los Angeles, CA 90043

Affairs, Inc.
2501 W. Florence Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
323-750-9967

7826 S. Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90003
323-565-2703

518 W. 111th Place
Los Angeles, CA 90044-4262
323-754-2978

SAN DIEGO COUNTY
VA San Diego Healthcare - Justice Outreach Program
The VA's Justice Outreach Coordinator is here to assist VA eligible Veterans at the time
of their release from jail or prison supporting their return to the community. The Veteran
reviews their needs with the Justice Outreach Coordinator resulting with a strategy of
supports. Services could include linkage to VA Healthcare, employment support
services, drug/alcohol supports, mental health treatment, activation of suspended
disability compensation, housing resources, public transportation assistance. Plans are
individually designed to support the Veterans needs.
Reentry Assistance:
Department of Veterans Affairs - Justice Outreach Program
The VA's Justice Outreach Coordinator is here to assist men and women being
released from jail or prison to transition smoothly and successfully back into the
community. The Justice Outreach Coordinator will sit down with you to develop a reentry plan, and depending on your needs, connect you with housing providers,
employment providers, medical care, mental health providers, drug/alcohol programs,
and other resources you may need to get back on your feet and move on to the next
phase of your life.
(619) 400-5168: Ask for Lezlie Neusteter or the Justice Outreach Coordinator
(619) 400-5157: Homeless Program (HCHV) Main Office
Mission Valley Outpatient Clinic
8810 Rio San Diego Drive, Ste. 2200
San Diego, Ca 92117
County Veterans Service Office
This office offers assistance with VA claims preparation and submission, benefits
counseling, appeals when appropriate, VA medical care information and referral.
Veterans Service Advocate
734 W. Beech St., Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92101-2441
(619) 531-4545
Vet Centers of San Diego County
Provide veterans with individual, couple, family, or group counseling to facilitate
readjustment to civilian life or for problems related to veterans’ military experiences..

66

San Marcos Vet Center
One Civic Center Dr., Suite 140
San Marcos, CA 92069
Phone: (760) 744-6914
San Diego Vet Center
2790 Truxtun Road, Suite 130
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: (858) 642-1500
Fax: (619) 294-2535
Second Chance
This organization offers job readiness training, job placement, affordable housing,
mental health counseling, and case management to men and women being released
from prison.
6145 Imperial Avenue
San Diego, Ca 92114-4213
(619) 234-8888
Important VA Numbers:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Provides free 24-hours a day, 7 days a week crisis counseling, suicide intervention, how
to handle thoughts of harming someone else, and mental health referral information.
(800) 273-8255
VA Alcohol & Drug Treatment Program (ADTP)
(858) 552-7560
Psychiatric Emergency Clinic (PEC)
(858) 642-3391
Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
(619) 400-5157
VA Primary Care (medical doctors)
Mission Valley (619) 400-5050
La Jolla (858) 552-7475
VA Benefits, Compensation, or to change Direct Deposit information
(800) 827-1000
Shelters
Infoline – Dial 211
67

1-858-300-1211 from a cell phone
Infoline is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.
San Diego Rescue Mission
120 Elm Street
S.D., CA 92101
(619) 687-3720
St. Vincent de Paul Village
For shelter at St. Vincent's, single men sign up at the Neil Good Day Center (299 17th
Street, San Diego 92101) M-F at 8:00 a.m., single women sign up at 7 a.m. M-F at St.
Vincent's at the Day Center, and families sign up at the front desk of the Joan Kroc
Center (JKC) at 9:45 a.m., M-F.
1501 Imperial Ave.
San Diego 92101
(619) 233-8500
VA Healthcare for Homeless Veterans (HCHV)
For information about shelters, come to the Homeless Walk-In Clinic available MonThurs from 8:00AM-10:00AM (exact times subject to check). Please arrive early, first
come first serve.
Mission Valley Outpatient Clinic
8810 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 2200
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 400-5157
Housing
Board & Care Facilities
Typically shared bedroom arrangements, where meals, laundry, and cleaning services
are included. SSI typically used for rent.
NAMI San Diego (619) 543-1434
Sober Living Homes
Sober Living Association – A list of active sober living homes in San Diego County
(858) 483-5866.
VA Transitional Housing – Grant & Per Diem Housing:

Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD)
Drug & Alcohol Treatment for single men and women
4141 Pacific Hwy.
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 393-2035

68

Interfaith Community Services (ICS)
Single men and women men only, employment focused.
550 W. Washington Ave., Suite B
Escondido, CA 92025
Contact person: John Kaskurs
(760) 489-6380
New Resolve
Single men and women, employment focused, must be sober 60 days.
1207 Escondido Blvd.
Escondido, CA 92025
Contact person: Harry Hansen
(760) 745-7829
St. Vincent de Paul Village (1501 Imperial Ave)
Emergency and long-term housing for single men, single women, families.
299 17th Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-3041
Substance Abuse/Addictions Treatment
VA Alcohol/Drug Treatment Program (ADTP)
Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
3350 La Jolla Drive, 2-West
San Diego, CA 92161
(858) 552-8585
Substance Abuse/Addictions Treatment (Cont)
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
San Diego Central Office
7075 Mission Gorge Road, Suite B
San Diego, CA 92120
(619) 265-8762 (24 Hours a day)
Office Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
(866) 239-2911
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
(619) 584-1007
(800) 479-0062

69

Detox:
Volunteers of America (VOA)
1111 Island Ave., San Diego, 92101
(619) 232-9343
Escondido Sobering Services
401 North Spruce
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 747-1553
Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center
Long-term residential rehabilitation program for recovering alcoholics and substance
abusers - no income clients only
1335 Broadway
(619) 239-4037
Lavatories, Showers and Laundry Facilities
Brother Benno’s Foundation
3260 Production Ave.
Oceanside 92054
(760) 439-1244
Showers Monday – Friday 6:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Interfaith Community Services
550-B West Washington Ave.
Escondido 92025
(760) 489-6380
Showers and laundry facilities Monday – Friday (6:30AM – 7:30AM).
Lavatories, Showers and Laundry Facilities (Cont)
Rachel’s Women’s Center (services are for women only)
759 8th Ave.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 696-0873
7:00AM– 5:00PM seven days/week.
Employment and Vocational
Job Club -- Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD)
4141 Pacific Hwy.
San Diego, CA 92110
Attn: Ruth Deye

70

(619) 393-2080
San Diego Vet Center – Club Vet
Provide intensive services to job ready veterans. Priority services are provided to
veterans with an emphasis on disabled veterans.
2900 6th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 449-5513
Job Service available every
Thursday: 1:30PM-4:30PM
Food Resources
Brother Benno’s Foundation
3260 Production Ave.
Oceanside 92054
(760) 439-1244
Breakfast Monday – Friday (6:30AM – 9:00AM)
Hot Meal Saturday (10:00AM – 11:30AM)
Interfaith Community Services
550-B West Washington Ave.
Escondido 92025
(760) 489-6380
Free breakfast and sack lunch Monday – Friday 6:30 – 7:30 a.m.
St. Vincent de Paul
1501 Imperial Ave.
San Diego 92101
(619) 233-8500
Lunch, Monday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. served in the Paul Mirabile Center
Brunch on Sundays only 9:30 a.m. served in the Paul Mirabile Center

Disability and Financial Assistance
Food Stamps/General Relief
(866) 262-9881
For emergency income and food stamps call the above number to determine your
eligibility, get an application, and welfare office locations.
VA Regional Office - (VARO)
VA Benefits, Compensation, or to change Direct Deposit information.
(800) 827-1000

71

For assistance with filing VA claims:
VA Medical Center in La Jolla (VAMC) National Service Organizations
American Legion (858) 642-6452
American Veterans (AMVETS) (858) 642-6453
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) (858) 642-6454
Military Order of the Purple Heart (858) 642-6455
Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) (858) 642-6456
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) (858) 642-6457
VA Mission Valley National Service Organizations
American Legion (619) 400-5301
Blinded Veterans Association (619) 400-5306
California Dept of Veterans Affairs (619) 400-5309
Disabled American Veterans (619) 299-6016
Military Order of the Purple Heart (619) 400-5317
Paralyzed Veterans of America (619) 400-5320
Veterans of Foreign Wars (619) 400-5322
Public Assistance
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) at (800) 772-1213
Social Security Income (SSI) at (800) 772-1213
State Disability Insurance (SDI) at (800) 480-3287
Medicare (800) 772-1213
Medi-Cal: (858) 514-6885 or toll free (866) 262-9881
Returning OEF/OIF Combat Veterans
Vet Center
Re-adjustment counseling for combat veterans.
2900 6th Ave.
San Diego, CA. 92103
(619) 294-2040
Returning OEF/OIF Combat Veterans (Cont)
Veterans Village of San Diego
Provides intensive drug/alcohol treatment, PTSD counseling, employment assistance
for combat veterans.
4141 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA. 92110
(619) 393-2039

County Veterans Service Office
Veterans Service Advocate
734 W. Beech St., Suite 200

72

San Diego, CA 92101-2441
(619) 531-4545
American Combat Veterans of War
Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
3350 La Jolla Drive, Rm 1580
San Diego, CA 92161
(858) 552-7501
Legal Resources
Social Security Benefit Clinic
Location: St. Vincent de Paul/Neil Good Day Center (299 17th Street)
Every Friday 8:00am to Noon
Homeless Advocacy Program of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego
Location: St. Vincent de Paul - Joan Kroc Center
1501 Imperial Ave, Downtown San Diego
Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Center for Community Solutions (858) 272-1574
Offers legal assistance with the following: restraining orders, family law, and general
legal counsel/referral.
Legal Aid Society (619) 262-0896 free and low cost legal help. Provides assistance
for the following: consumer, criminal matters, family disputes, welfare and health
benefits, immigration and poverty law issues such as landlord/tenant disputes, disability
support and family benefits payments.
San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program (619) 235-5656; SDVLP serves the homeless,
abused children, domestic violence victims, elder abuse victims, veterans, immigrants
and HIV/AIDS sufferers.
Mail Services
Brother Benno’s Foundation
3260 Production Ave.
Oceanside, 92054
760-439-1244
Alpha Project - Neil Good Day Center
299 17th Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-3041

73