The VA offers special programs and initiatives specifically designed to help homeless veterans live as independently as possible. VA’s treatment programs offer:

• outreach to veterans living on streets and in shelters
• clinical assessment and referral to medical treatment
• domiciliary care, case management, and rehabilitation
• employment and income assistance
• supported permanent housing

Homeless Resources in all 50 states. Arkansas areas include Little Rock and Fayetteville Veterans Affairs Hospitals.

Stand Downs are an effort by the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide services to homeless veterans.  Stand Downs are typically one to three day events providing services such as food, shelter, clothing, health screenings, VA and Social Security benefits counseling, and referrals to a variety of other necessary services, such as housing, employment and substance abuse treatment.  Stand Downs are collaborative events, coordinated between local VAs, other government agencies, and community agencies who serve the homeless.

The following are known to provide assistance programs specifically for veterans.

Saint Francis House, Inc
2701 South Elm Street
Little Rock, AR  72204
(501) 664-5036 ext. 227 or ext. 204
Fax: (501) 663-3557
Executive Director: Darlene Bourgeois
Men's and women's shelter. Provides food, clothing, help with utility bills, and has on-site shelter for homeless veterans.

VA Drop-In Treatment Center
1000 South Main St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501) 257-4499
Director: Dr. Estella Morris
Day treatment facility for honorably discharged veterans. Veterans can receive psychosocial and health assessments, participate in group activities, obtain donated military and civilian clothing, receive personal hygiene items, and use laundry and shower facilities. Provides VA shuttle service from Drop-In Center to VA Hospital for appointments.

Domiciilary Care for Homeless Veterans Program
2200 Fort Roots Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501) 257-2311
Residential treatment for homeless veterans with medical or psychiatric problems.

Alpha Omega Veterans Services, Inc.
Veterans Life House
1154 Central Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
(901) 726-4155
Drop-In Center, transitional housing, PTSD supportive housing, and hospice.

Other Arkansas Homeless Shelters

Arkansas Resources Directory of Homeless Shelters

Vet Centers service veterans and their families by providing a continuum of quality care that adds value for veterans, families and communities. The Vet Centers work closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other agencies linking eligible veterans with available resources.

Care includes professional readjustment counseling, PTSD assessment and treatment, alcohol and drug assessments, sexual trauma counseling and referral, marital and family counseling, vocational and educational counseling, veterans benefits counseling, and job development and placement.

HUD Veteran Resource Center

HUD Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)

Arkansas State Veterans Home

Foodbanks in Arkansas

Listing of Agencies Associated with the Arkansas Foodbank Network

Certain veterans enrolled in a VA Homeless Program for 60 consecutive days or more may receive certain medically necessary outpatient dental services.

As of Oct. 1, 2008,Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the new name for the federal Food Stamp Program.  Call 1-800-482-8988 in Arkansas to get information on SNAP benefit questions.  

How to Apply for and use SNAP Benefits

Find a SNAP Office Near You

Medicaid Eligibility

Find a Social Security Office

Disability Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security and Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Disability.gov

Burial of Unclaimed, Indigent Veterans

Homeless Veterans Burial Program

National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

Community Homelessness Assessment, Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG)