Resources and supports for veteran spouses and family members
There are many resources out there that specifically support service members and veterans, but may not serve spouses and family members, or if those resources are available to spouses, it’s not always explicitly stated. To address this, this page provides information and links to resources that offer support for veteran spouses, committed partners, and family members. This curated list of resources includes organizations that provide supports for veteran spouses nationally.
In addition to the national resources listed below, given the VSN's affiliation with The University of Texas at Austin, and our strong relationships with many Texas-based providers, we have also included a section for Texas-specific resources.
Crisis Support
Multi-Service Resources
Mental Health & Wellness
Relationships & Caregiver Support
Transition Support
Education & Employment
Basic Needs: Shelter, Food, & Financial Assistance
Texas Resources
Resources offering immediate support if you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis surrounding suicide, domestic violence, or sexual assault.
Description: The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. For veteran-specific support, individuals can dial 988 and then press 1. In addition, the Lifeline website offers important information and resources for how to receive and provide support.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: 988lifeline.org
Description: The National Domestic Violence Hotline offers free, confidential, 24/7 support for individuals experiencing domestic violence. In addition to direct support, the website offers resources on warning signs, safety planning, and how to support loved ones who may be experiencing domestic violence. To reach the hotline, dial 800-799-7233.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Website: www.thehotline.org
Description: RAINN is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country and operates the DoD Safe Helpline for the Department of Defense. RAINN also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.rainn.org
Description: The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth, they offer a toll-free telephone number where confidential assistance is provided by trained counselors. Call: 1-866-488-7386 | Text: 678-678
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: LGBTQ+ Youth
Website: www.thetrevorproject.org
Resources offering a variety of supportive services to service members, veterans, spouses/partners, and/or families.
Description: American Freedom Foundation offers several resources and partners that help Veterans and their families. Your Next Mission™ hiring events have helped thousands find meaningful employment. In addition, AFF has helped many Veterans and their families deal with issues they face in transitioning from military to civilian life.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families
Website: americanfreedomfoundation.org
Description: Blue Star Families empowers families to thrive as they serve. Their programs work to solve specific challenges for military families, including fighting economic insecurity with resources that foster spouse career development, creating family strength with rich family programming, and providing critical peer support for caregivers, whose numbers are only increasing.
Location: Nationwide and select state chapters
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: bluestarfam.org
Description: The Military Family Advisory Network works to connect military families to the resources, people, and information they depend on to successfully navigate all phases of military life. Their work includes research and advocacy in hopes of improving the lives of military families. In addition, they offer support and resources on a number of topics, including: Food insecurity; Housing; Moving & PCS; Finances; Employment & education; and Health & wellbeing.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: All military-connected families
Website: www.mfan.org
Description: From the Department of Defense, Military OneSource is a 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. Services include: Non-medical counseling; Relationship support; Parenting resources; Spouse education and career opportunities; Financial and legal support; EFMP & Me (Exceptional Family Member Program resources); and Relocation support.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Description: The Yellow Ribbon Fund is a veteran service organization, 501(c)3 providing housing, transportation, and caregiver & family support to severely wounded, ill and injured post-9/11 service members from every branch of the United States Military, following unexpected medical crises. More specifically, the Yellow Ribbon Fund provides housing and transportation during recovery and offers caregiver support when and where it is needed.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: yellowribbonfund.org
Organizations with resources focused on mental health & wellness, including individual, couples, and family counseling services.
Description: The Cohen Veterans Network, provides mental health resources and supports to veterans and their families. Their vision is to ensure that every veteran, active duty service member, and family member is able to obtain access to high-quality care that enables them to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
Location: Nationwide (24 clinics across 16 states with additional states offering telehealth services)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.cohenveteransnetwork.org
Description: Give an Hour’s Military Program addresses the unique challenges and needs for prioritizing mental health and emotional well-being in the military community. Give an Hour offers a number of services including: training and workshops for organizations and communities on mental and emotional health; mental health counseling; peer support; resources for how to support a loved one, and more.
Location: Nationwide virtual options
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Website: giveanhour.org/military
Description: Quick Reaction Force is Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America's (IAVA's) one-stop-shop solution, offering 24/7 free and confidential assistance to veterans and their family members with services covering a range of issues including mental health, employment, VA benefits, housing, and more.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Description: NAMI Homefront offers mental health resources For Military Service Members, Veterans And Their Families. Individuals can access this free online suite of resources for caregivers, family members, and military service members and veterans, designed to increase understanding, communication, wellness, and advocacy skills.
Location: Nationwide (Virtual peer support groups and mental health counseling by location)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.nami.org
Description: Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, service members, and their families. Counseling is offered to make a successful transition from military to civilian life or after a traumatic event experienced in the military. Individual, group, marriage and family counseling is offered in addition to referral and connection to other VA or community benefits and services. Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.vetcenter.va.gov
Organizations with resources focused on supporting relationships and military/veteran caregivers.
Description: Caregivers on the Homefront provides evidence-based mental health and wellness programs. Their work prioritizes advocating for the caregiver at the local, state, and national levels.
Location: Nationwide (virtual), Missouri (in-person)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: caregivers-homefront.org
Description: An initiative of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Hidden Heroes brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seeks solutions for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face. Their services include: Financial assistance to support basic needs; Free respite care; Personal development opportunities; Self-care & mindfulness.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: hiddenheroes.org
Description: Programs that provide a safe and confidential place for Military and Veteran Couples to reconnect, find peer support and positive encouragement. Participants learn specific real-life skills that enable them to better manage marriage under stress. These unique challenges can be caused by military service, multiple deployments, combat or wounds – be they physical, mental, emotional or moral. The skills learned can be used immediately to overcome damaging behaviors, reduce stress and develop stronger bonds and healthier relationships. Classes are free because we believe those defending our country want to build and manage healthy relationships.
Location: Texas, with limited specialty classes offered nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Website: www.marriagemanagement.org
Description: TAPS is a national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources for all those grieving the death of a military or veteran loved one. TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Services include: National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp; regional survivor seminars for adults; youth programs at locations across the country; and retreats and expeditions around the world. Staff can get individuals and families connected to counseling in their community and can support navigating benefits and resources.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.taps.org
Description: Provides support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some physically, some psychologically. Services include: Caregiver Respite, Veteran Training, Family Retreats, and Mobility is Freedom (grants and modified vehicles for combat-wounded veterans).
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.wwfs.org
Description: A VA program that works to address intimate partner violence and support building healthy relationships. The IPVAP works with Veterans, their partners, and VA staff who are impacted by IPV.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, veterans, VA staff
Organizations that support individuals and families as they transition from military to civilian life.
Description: Easterseals Veteran Staffing Network (VSN) helps veterans and military spouses find long-term, meaningful employment. Their team of career coaches and recruiters can help individuals through self-paced online training and one-on-one personal career coaching. In addition, this program offers job placement.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans,
Description: Provides support for families as they transition from military to civilian life. Stepping Beyond offers a number of services, including: Trusted and reliable information designed for the military-spouse community; Engaging videos answering questions about transition-related topics; Downloadable and printable fact sheets to equip families with knowledge, resources, and confidence to help individuals, families, and friends successfully transition from the military; and Links for quick and easy access to relevant information, tools, and programs.
Location: Nationwide (virtual)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Description: Offers four distinct programs to assist military families at every stage of their transition into civilian life. These programs include: Transitional housing (apartments); Permanent homes for veterans; Transitional homes for veterans; and Transitional housing (villages).
Location: Nationwide (Transitional Housing (villages) are only located in San Diego, CA; Gaithersburg, MD; and San Antonio, TX)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, veterans, families (including children)
Website: operationhomefront.org/housing
Description: The USO Pathfinder® Transition Program extends the USO experience to active duty, Reserve, National Guard and military spouses by offering professional development services throughout the duration of military service as well as in preparation for life post-military.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Organizations with resources that support individuals and families to seek and obtain educational and employment opportunities.
Description: Personalized employment support for individuals seeking full-time, part-time, or remote work. Steps include the following: Register online and choose the program that's right for you; Get help translating your experience into a professional resume; Learn job search best practices with assistance from staff and volunteers; Get connected with career mentors and mock interviewers who can help you put your best foot forward; Get hired, join the alumni program and keep in touch.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.hireheroesusa.org/job-seekers
Description: HOH’s career services include events, programs, and career counseling dedicated to connecting world-class military community talent with American businesses of all sizes.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, veterans, families (including children)
Description: Hope For The Warriors Spouse / Caregiver Scholarship Program supports spouses and caregivers of post-9/11 veterans by awarding scholarships that provide aid in continuing education at reputable, accredited universities, colleges or trade schools.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Description: Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a free career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. O2O combines industry-validated curricula, strong partnerships with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies, and comprehensive career coaching services to prepare and match you with your next career.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Description: Vets2Industry provides a free resource library for the military community – active, guard, reserve, veteran, military-spouse, dependent children, Blue-Star & Gold-Star Families, and caregivers – so they know which organizations provide free services and benefits.V2I lists companies that have opportunities for veterans, those that have specific military hiring programs, those that are on the 100 Military Friendly companies list, and those that selflessly provide Fortune 500 mentors for a year to transitioning service members through their partnership with American Corporate Partners.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: vets2industry.org/family-central
Organizations with resources focused on helping individuals and families gain access to shelter, food, and financial assistance.
Description: The Red Cross helps service members, veterans, and their families prepare for, cope with, and respond to, the challenges of military service. This includes: providing home comforts and critical services on bases and in military hospitals around the world; supporting military families during deployments and emergencies; and continuing to serve veterans after their service ends.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Description: The Feeding America nationwide network of food banks and food programs helps millions of people find food and grocery help in their communities every year. Through their site, families can find local food banks in their area, while also learning more about how to apply for national food programs like SNAP and WIC.
Location: Nationwide (Interactive map with food bank or community partner locations)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Description: R.I.S.E. (Restoring Independence Supporting Empowerment), builds specially adapted smart homes for severely wounded heroes. They also provide home modifications, mobility devices, and adapted vehicles to injured, wounded, ill, and/or aging heroes.
Location: Chapter locations: Flordia & California (Mobility services provided Nationwide)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: www.garysinisefoundation.org/rise
Description: An organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, veterans, families
Website: www.hfotusa.org
Description: Operation Finally Home provides mortgage-free homes, home modifications and transitional housing to wounded, ill and injured military veterans, first responders and their families in honor of their service and sacrifice to country and community.
Location: Nationwide (covering 33 states)
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families
Website: www.operationfinallyhome.org
Description: Offers videos, counseling, and educational resources covering the following: financial planning, investments, car and home purchases, insurance, estate planning, and general budgeting and savings.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families
Website: usaaef.org
Description: Coordinated Assistance Network (CAN) and the Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP) are joining forces to provide financial guidance, advice and planning to active military servicemembers, veterans, and their families via the services of pro bono (free) CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals.
Location: Nationwide
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families
Website: www.veteransplus.org
Texas-based supports and resources that cover mental health, relationships, housing, employment, and more. Each of the resources below indicates an area of focus in parentheses.
Description: Endeavors Veteran Services support the lives and well-being of veterans, active duty service members, and military families, regardless of role while in uniform, discharge status, or combat experience. Their services include: Free and low-cost counseling; mental health support, life skills courses; fitness classes; case management, homelessness prevention and reintegration, and more.
Location: Texas
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Website: endeavors.org/veteran-services
Description: The MVPN is made of TVC-Certified Peer Service Coordinators and their peer volunteers strategically placed within the local mental health authorities across Texas to create a statewide peer-to-peer network for any service member, veteran, or family member. The MVPN provides services including direct peer-to-peer support, training on suicide prevention and military cultural competency, coordination of mental health first aid, and warm-handoffs to local resources based on the individual needs of the veteran and family.
Location: Texas
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Description: The NVOP works to address the needs of veterans by providing housing, employment, and wellness services. With the focus of supporting their clients in becoming productive members of their communities, NVOP currently offers a range of services at various locations throughout Texas.
Location: Texas
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, veterans, families (including children)
Website: https://www.agif-nvop.org/
Description: The Samaritan Center's Veteran & Military Services provides support for service members, veterans, and their family members through a number of services including: individual, family, and couples counseling; play therapy; support groups; parenting classes; peer support; integrative medicine; wellness classes; and care management.
Location: Central Texas
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans, families (including children)
Description: Advocating for and providing superior service that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families, and survivors. The TVC offers a range of services including (but not limited to): Claims, Education, Employment, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, Homlessness, and Transitioning.
Location: Texas
Services Available for: Veteran spouses, military spouses, service members, veterans
Website: www.tvc.texas.gov