24/7 hotline connecting homeless veterans or those at risk to shelter, HUD-VASH housing vouchers, case management, and emergency services. Call 1-877-424-3838 — no VA enrollment needed. Operators connect veterans to local VA homeless programs and community shelters. Texas has VA homeless programs in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and other cities. HUD-VASH vouchers provide long-term rental assistance for veterans who need permanent housing support.
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 Texas
Texas district courts hear family matters across its 254 counties, with many urban counties operating dedicated family courts. The Texas Attorney General's Child Support Division runs enforcement statewide. Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth are the largest metros. Texas Legal Services Center, Lone Star Legal Aid, Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas, and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid cover the state.
More Veterans in Texas
Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) — Official state agency assisting Texas veterans with VA disability claims, benefits, education, and employment. Accredited claims advisors ac
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center — Houston — One of the nation's largest VA medical centers with comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical, mental health, and substance a
Dallas VA Medical Center — VA North Texas — Primary VA medical center serving DFW and North Texas veterans with primary care, mental health, specialty, and surgical services. Emergency
Houston West Vet Center — Community-based readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, MST counseling, and referrals for combat veterans and families in West Houston. Fre
Dallas Vet Center — Readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and substance abuse assessment for veterans and families in a non-medical community setting in Dall
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.