Help Is Available Right Now
This page connects Connecticut veterans and their families to immediate crisis resources, hotlines, and fast-track support pathways. Whether you are facing a mental health emergency, housing crisis, or simply do not know where to start, you are in the right place. You do not have to navigate this alone.
Go Directly to the Help You Need
animal assistance
Animal focused assistance services and emotional support that help transition to civilian life.
benefits and legal help
VA benefits navigation, disability claims, legal aid, and financial assistance
family support
Resources for military and veteran families, caregivers, children, and spouses navigating the challenges of service-connected life.
farming opportunities
Government programs, grants and loans.
connection to local & national veteran farming organizations
health & wellness
Mental health, physical care, substance use support, and wellness programs for Connecticut veterans.
housing & basic needs
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and utility assistance for Connecticut veterans
jobs & education
Employment services, career training, GI Bill guidance, and academic programs to support your transition to civilian life in Connecticut.
mindfulness &
alternative programs
Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and utility assistance for Connecticut veterans
recreation programs
Employment services, career training, GI Bill guidance, and academic programs to support your transition to civilian life in Connecticut.
retreats
Veteran retreats are immersive programs designed to ease the transition to civilian life, manage combat stress, and alleviate isolation.
VETERAN DISCOUNTS
Refer to special pricing, promotions, or benefits offered to military members, including active-duty personnel, veterans, and sometimes their families
veteran owned business
A veteran-owned business (VOB) is a company at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. military veterans.
veteran support agencies
Nonprofit chartered groups dedicated to supporting past and present military members, their dependents, and survivors.
Common Questions
Can Connecticut residents use these resources to get help?
Yes, the resources and programs are focused on veterans and their families living in Connecticut. Although many of these organizations are happy to help connect out-of-state veterans to resources in their area. Additionally we have included numerous services and organizations based in New England , the Tri State Area and National Programs.
Are your services free?
Absolutely! All the referrals, navigation help, and direct programs provided by Connecticut Veterans Resource come at no cost. We don't provide direct services ourselves. Instead, we act as a bridge, linking veterans and their families to legitimate opportunities, benefits they've earned, and professional care. We handle everything to ensure you get the help and support you need quickly and efficiently.
What if I'm not sure what kind of help I need?
No worries! Make sure to check out the links to the organization's website. If you're ready to take the plunge and connect with the organization's members, they'll gladly take the time to chat about the services they provide and how they can assist you. Most of these opportunities, programs, and services are free for veterans and their families.
What if I don't feel I need or deserve these benefits and that other veterans deserve them more?
Service members are conditioned to prioritize the mission and their peers above personal needs. This leads to the internalization of an "adapt and overcome" mindset, making it incredibly difficult to admit when they are struggling.
Why do veterans not reach out for assitance and contact support agencies?
Several interconnected factors explain this reluctance to reach out:
- Military Culture & "Suck It Up" Mentality: Service members are conditioned to prioritize the mission and their peers above personal needs. This leads to the internalization of an "adapt and overcome" mindset, making it incredibly difficult to admit when they are struggling.
- Fear of Stigma: Many veterans worry that reaching out for help—particularly for mental health struggles—will negatively impact their careers, cause them to be viewed as "weak", or result in them losing security clearances.
- Distrust and Frustration with the System: Bureaucratic hurdles, long wait times, and navigating confusing or restrictive eligibility requirements cause many to give up on the process entirely. Previous negative experiences with care providers can further deter them.
- Problem Denial: Veterans may not always realize their behavior or mental health has changed. In many cases, they rationalize their symptoms as normal or falsely believe their situation is "not bad enough" to warrant taking up a professional's time.
Can family members of veterans use these resources?
Absolutely! A lot of our resources and programs are open to the spouses, kids, and caregivers of veterans in Connecticut.
Feel free to reach out to the specific organization; they would love to take the time to chat about the services they provide and how they can assist you.