The Department of Veterans Affairs has a toll-free National Caregiver Support Line (1-855-260-3274) for caregivers who provide support at home for Veterans. Licensed clinical social workers are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time to hear caregivers’ concerns and link them to the Caregiver Support Coordinator at their local VA Medical Center.  Learn more here.

eBenefits is a combined effort of DOD and VA to improve communication to veterans. The eBenefits portal is an online resource that veterans can use to find and manage benefit-related information. The Web site is located at www.ebenefits.va.gov and will allow veterans to follow the development process of their claim among many other things.  View a brochure on the resource.

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Homeless Veteran in need of help? Call 1-877-4AID VET begin (1-877-424-3838)

The Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) has founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline to ensure that homeless Veterans or Veterans at risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors.The hotline is intended to assist homeless Veterans and their families, VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community.

To be connected with a trained VA staff member call 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838). Click here to learn more.

Click here for local contacts who are part of the National VA Homeless Resource Guide.

Mortgageloan.com has a comprehensive consumer guide on housing and mortgages for veterans and active military that covers what VA loans are, their benefits, how to apply for one, special protections against foreclosure, etc.

Get clear yet comprehensive guidance on  Today’s GI Bill, designed to help you make the most of your education benefits.

Maryland's Commitment to Veterans offers assistance with crisis and emergency services, substance abuse, therapy, homelessness, unemployment and VA benefits. To learn more call 1-877-770-4801.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues. Click here for a fact sheet on local resources.

The Network of Care for Veterans & Service Members serves Calvert, Charles and St. Mary's counties and is a one-stop-shop for virtually all services, information, support, advocacy, and much more.

Military OneSource can help with just about any need: education, relocation, parenting, stress -- you name it. Available by phone (1-800-342-9647) or online, this free service is provided by the Department of Defense for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve service members and their families.

Veteran CareGiver was developed in response to expressed challenges by families who are caring for veterans. Veteran CareGiver was created to fill requests for acknowledgement, information on training and resources, coping skills, and active support from others who share the challenges as caregivers for America's veterans.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has now set up a chat service. The mental health clinicians are thereif you or someone you know is in emotional crisis. The clinicians will only provide information on services, guidance and assistance, and helpful online resources via Veterans Chat. Veterans may use Veterans Chat without identifying themselves or revealing any personal information unless they choose to do so.

Click here for a comprehensive list of regional resources for veterans.

North Beach to Host Veterans Event

Come join in the fun as we address the invisible wounds of war at the Tribute to the Military Veteran Family and the third annual Tri-Forces Sprint Triathlon and Wellness Fair on Saturday, Sept. 29, on the boardwalk in the town of North Beach.

The wellness fair will spotlight community assistance and resources for these families. This unique event raises awareness through educating both the community and the military service members and veteran families who are transitioning to live in Southern Maryland. We invite other counties, including Prince Georges and Anne Arundel to collaborate with us!

In an unprecedented partnership, federal and state interests stand united with our local community to support the military veteran family. The tri-county area is veteran friendly and we are reaching out to let these families know that we appreciate their service. We are willing to do what it takes to help these families be happy and safe at home.

Please be a part of our event. More information is available online at www.triforcestriathlon.org.