Veterans Connect

Our veterans resource page is a place where veterans and family members can learn about state and federal education, employment, housing, health, disability, and other benefits.

Veterans Resource Center

The Half Moon Bay Library features a Veterans Resource Center (VRC) with a circulating book collection, up-to-date information from service providers, and access to Internet-connected computers.

Veterans Resource Center: halfmoonbay@smcl.org

Hotlines

• San Mateo County Veteran's Service Office: (650) 802-6598
• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: (877) 4AID-VET (424-3838)
• Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-TALK (8255)
• Wounded Warrior Resource Center: (800) 342-9647

Resources

General | Employment | Health | Education | Links for Local Services | Women | Other Programs

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General

• Frequently Asked Questions
  , opens a new windowAnswers to common questions veterans may have
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  , opens a new windowProvides information on disability, education, training, vocational rehabilitation/employment, home loan guaranty, dependent/survivor benefits, medical treatment
• Veterans Service Records, National Archives
  , opens a new windowRequest military service records (DD 214), research using service records, replace lost medals and awards
• San Mateo Veterans Service Office, opens a new window (CVSO)
  Veterans helps veterans access state and federal benefits that help veterans, their spouses and family members. The CVSO also provides information and referrals to a wide range of services and connects veterans to programs such as the California Veteran College Fee Waiver for veterans and dependents.
• California Veterans Resource Book
  , opens a new windowComprehensive e-book to state and federal veterans' benefits and services
• California Department of Veterans Affairs- CalVet
  , opens a new windowComprehensive guide to state and federal veterans' benefits and services
• Coming Home Project
  , opens a new windowProvides a range of counseling services to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, active-duty service members, family members, and service providers
• National Council for Aging Care's Guide on Military Veteran Benefit Options, opens a new window
  Helping Veterans navigate their benefit options as they approach retirement age.
• Peninsula Vet Center
  , opens a new windowBroad range of readjustment services, counseling, and employment services
• 2020 California Veteran Resource Book
  , opens a new windowHandbook designed to familiarize veterans with the scope of transition resources accessible. It includes information on special transition benefits, job assistance workshops, and automated employment tools

Employment

• San Mateo Employment Application
  , opens a new windowInformation on application preference for San Mateo County employment for active-duty veterans
• Employment Development Department Services for Veterans
  , opens a new windowAssists veterans and their eligible spouses maximize their employment and training opportunities
• USAJobs
  , opens a new windowFind jobs in the federal government- Veterans have technical skills in areas of critical importance, and many also already have security clearances required for some Federal positions

Health

• VA Palo Alto Health Care System, opens a new window
  Domiciliary Service: Provides supportive outpatient and/or residential rehab to homeless and/or substance dependent vets with the goal to return individual to optimal independent living.

• VA Mental Health Resources
  , opens a new windowProvides information and resources for mental health issues including: anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, military sexual trauma, PTSD, schizophrenia, substance abuse, suicide prevention
• SamTrans Veterans Mobility Corps (VMC), opens a new window
  (Part of Senior Mobility Initiative). Addresses transportation challenges faced by Veterans due to disabilities brought about by aging or injuries sustained during their service to our country. VMC recruits and trains volunteer veterans to help veterans with disabilities to acquire skills needed to access the mobility options for which they are eligible. Contact: Jean Conger, opens a new window, Senior Mobility Project Coordinator, San Mateo County Transit District, (650) 508-6362. 
• Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Handbook, opens a new window
  Updates Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reference information on the health care benefits available to enrolled Veterans and beneficiaries.
• Mesothelioma Veterans Center, opens a new window
  Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and very few treat it. Approximately 6,000 veterans afflicted with this asbestos-caused cancer died between 1999 and 2005 alone. The Center specializes in connecting patients with doctors and treatment options that are best suited for them. They also connect patients to clinical trials, VA benefits, and even assist in obtaining travel grants to patients needing to see a specialist. The services and resources are 100% free to patients and family members.

Education

• VA Education and Training
  , opens a new windowProvides information on education and training including the Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill
• College of San Mateo Vet Services, opens a new window
  Veterans Resource & Opportunity Center (VROC)
  Central Hall Building 16, Room 150. (650) 574-6675 Fax: (650) 574-6681 csmvets@smccd.edu, opens a new window
  Justine Evirs (Program Coordinator): evirsj@smccd.edu, opens a new window (650) 574-6625
  Jeremy Mileo (Certifying Official): mileo@smccd.edu, opens a new window (650) 358-6858
• Stanford's Office for Military-Affiliated Communities, opens a new window
• California Military Department GI Bill Award Program, opens a new window
  Issues educational awards to qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard and State Military Reserve
• Non-resident College Fee Waiver
  , opens a new windowWaives non-resident fees at all State of California Community Colleges, California State University, or University of California campuses
• VA Work Study Program
  , opens a new windowAssists those who are receiving VA education benefits and attending school three-quarter time or more

Housing

• CalVet Veteran Homes
  , opens a new windowHousing resources for the state's eligible aged or disabled veterans
• CalVet Home Loans, opens a new window
  Home financing for veterans

Supportive Services

• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
  , opens a new windowAssists very low-income Veterans and Veteran households who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Services may include: Outreach, Case Management, and Assistance Obtaining Benefits, Temporary Financial Assistance with Rent, Moving Expenses, Security & Utility Deposits, Child Care, Transportation & Emergency Expenses, Housing & Credit Counseling, Housing Advocacy, Legal Assistance & Payee Services.

Women Veterans

• Federal Center for Women Veterans
  , opens a new windowProvides information on health, benefits, memorials, and community engagement
• Women Veterans Health Care
  , opens a new windowProvides information on health care for female veterans, including a hospital and clinic locator

Other Programs

• Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Veterans
  , opens a new windowServices and support for LGBT veteran
• Guidebook for California Incarcerated Veterans
  , opens a new windowVA benefits for incarcerated veterans
• Collaborative Justice Courts, Veterans Courts
  , opens a new windowPromote sobriety, recovery and stability through a coordinated response that involves cooperation and collaboration with the traditional partners found in drug and mental health courts in addition of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health care networks and the Veterans' Benefits Administration
• The Veterans History Project
  , opens a new windowCollects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war
• Guitars for Vets
  , opens a new windowProvide veterans with guitars and a forum to learn how to play
• Pets for Vets
  , opens a new windowPets for Vets connects veterans with rescue animals to help create second chances and new beginnings
• Free and Reduced-Fee Fishing License
  , opens a new windowProvides free and reduced-fee sport fishing licenses for eligible veterans
• Free and Reduced-Fee Hunting License
  , opens a new windowProvides free and reduced-fee hunting licenses for eligible veterans
• Distinguished Veteran State Park Pass
  , opens a new windowNo fee California State Park Lifetime Pass for eligible veterans