For assistance for at-risk or homeless veterans living in Costa Mesa, please contact:

• John Begin, Community Outreach Supervisor - (714) 327-7501

Animal Assistance or Companionship

• Guardians of Rescue, Paws of War - This program matches pets, often left behind from war torn areas or US kill shelters, by pairing them with military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war such as PTSD who seek the therapeutic and unconditional love only a companion animal can bring.
• Patriot Paws - This non-profit organization trains and provides service dogs of at no cost to American veterans and others with mobile disabilities or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Career Development and Job Seeking

• Working Wardrobes VetNet - VetNet provides workshops and tools such as interviewing skills and resume building to help veterans who are interested in reintegrating into the workforce.

Education

• Affordable Colleges Online
  • Financial Aid
• Military-Friendly Colleges
  • Financial Aid
  • How to Apply for GI Benefits
  • Scholarships by Military Branch
  • Awards and Aid for Family Members
• Saddleback College IT Pipline initiative - Kolin Williams, (949) 582-4252
• Veterans Arts Project - Steve Dilley, (760) 815-8868

Government Agencies

• California Department of Veterans Affairs - The Department of Veterans Affairs is an extensive resource that includes information about federal and state claims, education, housing, benefits and more.
• County of Orange Veterans Service Office - The Orange County Veterans Service Office provides free benefit claims counseling and information and referral assistance to veterans, their dependents and survivors.

Loss/Grief Support

• American Widow Project - For widows of American soldiers, the American Widow Project provides educational and emotional tools and support to help rebuild lives.
• Got Your Back - Got Your Back Network connects with military families who have lost a loved one, and provides guidance, comfort, and resources, as well as mentorship and guidance for children.

Other Resources

• Insurance Resources for Veterans
• Veterans and Mesothelioma
• Dental Care Resources for Veterans
• Scholarship Guide for Military Spouses & Children
• Support The Enlisted Project (STEP) - The organization takes pride in being a fiscally responsible non-profit organization that provides active duty and veteran families financial grants in times of crisis, and through one-on-one counseling, develop a plan to achieve financial self-sufficiency.
• The Mission Continues - The organization empowers veterans and assists in transitioning into life after service.
• Team Red, White and Blue - Team RWB's mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.
• Habitat for Humanity, Veterans Build - The program serves military members, veterans and their families with home ownership, volunteer and employment opportunities.
• Freedom Committee of Orange County - The committee is an organization of veterans who share their experiences to enhance history education.