Housing toolkit
Housing risk action checklist.
If housing is unstable, start with urgent official support and avoid sending private papers to Vols4Vets.
Who this is for
Veterans and helpers facing homelessness, eviction, utility shutoff, unsafe housing or temporary shelter needs.
First three steps
- Use 911 first if there is immediate danger.
- Contact VA homeless veteran support if the veteran is homeless or may lose housing soon.
- Write down county, deadline, safe callback method and immediate safety concerns.
Use this in 10 minutes
- If immediate danger, call 911.
- For veteran crisis support, call 988 then press 1 or text 838255.
- Write down tonight's sleeping situation and the next deadline.
- Call VA homeless veteran support or open the official VA homeless page.
Use this in 30 minutes
- Write the county, safe callback number and whether there is an eviction date.
- List any children, caregivers or safety concerns the official helper should know about.
- Ask whether legal aid, VA homeless support or another official housing program is the right next call.
- Do not wait until eviction day to ask what options exist.
Call script
Hi, my name is ____. I am a veteran/family member in ____ County and housing may not be safe or stable. The deadline is ____. Is this the right official office to call? What should I do today? What information should I have ready?
What to write down
- Confirmation number.
- Date and time called.
- Person or office name.
- Next deadline or court date.
- Documents requested.
- Whether another official office was recommended.
If the first office cannot help
Ask: Which official office handles this? Is there a county, state or VA office I should call next? Is there an accredited representative or official program for this?
What to gather
Photo ID if available, safe callback number, county, current sleeping situation, eviction or utility notice if an official helper asks for it, and any deadline.
What not to send to Vols4Vets
Do not send Social Security numbers, claim numbers, DD214s, medical records, legal papers, passwords or private case details to Vols4Vets.
Official starting points
What happens after this link
- You may leave Vols4Vets.
- The official site may ask for private information.
- Only enter private records on official secure sites or with verified accredited help.
- Write down confirmation numbers.
- Save copies of what you submit.
- Come back to Vols4Vets if you need the next starting point.
Common mistakes
- Waiting until the day of eviction to ask for help.
- Assuming one call always creates housing placement.
- Sending eviction papers or private case details to Vols4Vets.
- Stopping after one office says no without asking which official office handles the issue.
Print checklist
Print this checklist before calling if it is safe. Do not delay urgent calls to print.
Related Vols4Vets pages
homeless veteran help, legal aid, legal aid deadline checklist.
Source note
Source note: Start with the official links on this page. Rules, hours, forms and eligibility can change.
Last reviewed: July 1, 2026.