Veterans in Rhode Island

10 verified resources.

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Family Court is a statewide system handling all divorce, custody, paternity, and child support cases. The Office of Child Support Services operates under DHS. Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket are the largest cities. Rhode Island Legal Services is the statewide LSC-funded civil legal aid program.

10 Resources

1. Providence VA Medical Center — Free

Full-service VA healthcare for Rhode Island veterans including primary care, mental health, specialty clinics, and inpatient services on Chalkstone Avenue in Providence. Fathers who have served can enroll for care, access PTSD and substance use treatment, and coordinate family involvement through social work. Call the main number to start enrollment. Bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of income, and any prior medical records.

401-273-7100 · 830 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02908 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Veterans Crisis Line – RI — Free

Free 24/7 crisis support for Rhode Island veterans, service members, and their families including fathers and spouses. Dial 988 and press 1, or use chat and text through the website. Responders connect callers with local VA services and community resources for suicide prevention, mental health, and substance use. Confidential; VA enrollment is not required. Share as much or as little as you wish when reaching out.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

3. American Legion – RI Department — Free

Veterans service organization with statewide posts and a Department headquarters on Taunton Avenue in East Providence. Accredited service officers help Rhode Island veterans and family members file VA disability, pension, and survivor claims, plus offer camaraderie and community events. Call during business hours to schedule an appointment. Bring DD-214, photo ID, any prior VA decisions, and medical evidence relevant to your claim.

401-331-1203 · 610 Taunton Ave, East Providence, RI 02914 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

4. DAV Rhode Island — Free

Disabled American Veterans chapter serving Rhode Island with free benefits counseling, claims assistance, and transportation support for service-connected veterans and their families. DAV service officers help fathers and other veterans file initial and appeal claims with the VA. Call the Providence office to schedule. Bring DD-214, photo ID, copies of any VA decisions, medical evidence, and a list of current conditions and treatments.

401-273-7100 · Providence, RI 02908 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

5. Operation Stand Down RI — Free

Services for homeless and at-risk Rhode Island veterans and their families at Operation Stand Down's Hartford Avenue campus in Johnston. Staff offer housing, employment, benefits, and supportive services tailored to veterans, including fathers reconnecting with children or stabilizing after deployment. Call or visit during business hours. Bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of income, and any housing or court paperwork relevant to your situation.

401-383-4730 · 1010 Hartford Ave, Johnston, RI 02919 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

6. VFW – Rhode Island Posts — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars posts across Rhode Island with accredited service officers offering benefits advocacy, claims filing, and community support to combat veterans and their families. Fathers can call the state headquarters or use the website to find the nearest post and service officer hours. Services are free for veterans and dependents. Bring DD-214, photo ID, prior VA decisions, and medical evidence when scheduling a claim appointment.

401-421-2312 · Providence, RI 02903 · Varies by post · Visit Website

7. Vet Center – Providence — Free

Readjustment counseling for combat veterans and their families at the Providence Vet Center on Warwick Avenue in Warwick. Free confidential services include individual, couples, and family counseling, plus support for PTSD, military sexual trauma, and bereavement. Fathers reconnecting after deployment are welcome. Call to schedule and bring DD-214, photo ID, and a brief summary of your service and current concerns to the first appointment.

401-528-5271 · 2038 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI 02889 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Rhode Island National Guard – Family Programs — Free

Family support services for Rhode Island National Guard members and their dependents coordinated from the New London Avenue headquarters in Cranston. Staff help fathers and other service members access financial counseling, school liaison help, family readiness groups, and behavioral health referrals before, during, and after deployment. Call during business hours. Bring military ID, orders, and dependent information to in-person appointments.

401-275-4100 · 645 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Vietnam Veterans of America – RI Chapter — Free

Advocacy and support for Vietnam-era veterans and their families through the Rhode Island chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America, based in Providence. Chapter volunteers help fathers navigate Agent Orange, PTSD, and related VA claims and connect members to social events and peer support. Call or use the national website to find local chapter hours. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and any prior VA decisions to claims appointments.

401-273-7100 · Providence, RI 02908 · Varies · Visit Website

10. East Providence Veterans Services — Free

Local veterans support and benefits assistance for East Providence residents coordinated with the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services. Staff help fathers and other veterans apply for state and federal benefits, access healthcare, and locate employment and housing resources. Call during business hours to schedule. Bring DD-214, photo ID, proof of residency, and any VA or state benefit paperwork relevant to your request.

401-435-7500 · East Providence, RI 02914 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.