Imagine stepping off active duty or completing your service, only to find that the biggest battle you face now is having a safe place to live. For many veterans in Stanislaus County, rising rents, limited affordable units, and complicated benefit systems turn stability into a daily challenge — one that doesn’t have to be faced alone.

Here in Stanislaus County, local organizations and government partners work together to make sure men and women who served in the U.S. armed forces can access the support they need to find and keep housing. This isn’t just paperwork and phone calls — it can be the difference between couch‑surfing, shelter stays, or finally having a place you can call your own. The tools exist; knowing where to go and who to call matters.

(Español: Al final de este artículo, encontrará un resumen en español para nuestros lectores de habla hispana.)

Help Is Here

Veterans Foundation of Stanislaus County 

This local nonprofit operates a one-stop Veterans Service Center where you can access multiple services under one roof. They provide emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities, housing referrals, food assistance, and connections to other veteran services throughout the county.

• Address: 3500 Coffee Rd., Suite 15, Modesto, CA 95355

• Phone: (209) 343-6292

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM walk in hours or call to schedule an appointment.

• Eligibility: Must be a veteran or dependent of a veteran

Stanislaus County Department of Aging and Veterans Services

The county's official veterans services office helps with VA benefits claims, pension applications, and referrals to housing programs. Their trained counselors can help you navigate the complex VA system and ensure you're receiving every benefit you've earned.

• Address: 3500 Coffee Rd., Suite 19, Modesto, CA 95355 (same building as Veterans Foundation)

• Phone: (209) 558-7380

• Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM (walk-in); Friday by appointment only

• Eligibility: All veterans and their dependents

Stanislaus Housing Assessment Team (HAT) 

HAT serves as the primary access point for homeless services in Stanislaus County. They conduct assessments, connect individuals with appropriate housing resources, and coordinate services across multiple agencies. Veterans receive priority consideration for many programs.

• Address: 912 D Street, Modesto, CA 95354

• Phone: (209) 272-8800

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Eligibility: Anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness can walk in for assessment; no appointment necessary

Catholic Charities – Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) 

This federally funded program specifically targets veterans and their families who are homeless or at imminent risk of losing their housing. Services include rental assistance, security deposit help, utility payment assistance, moving costs, and ongoing case management.

• Address: 1506 H Street, Modesto, CA 95354

• Phone: (209) 444-5943

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM

• Eligibility: Veterans and veteran families who are homeless or at risk; income requirements apply. Call to schedule an intake appointment; bring proof of veteran status (DD-214 discharge papers) and income documentation.

Modesto VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic 

While primarily a healthcare facility, the Modesto VA Clinic connects veterans with housing resources through their social work department. They can refer you to HUD-VASH (rental assistance vouchers), SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families), and other housing programs while addressing any health concerns that may be barriers to stable housing.

• Address: 1225 Oakdale Road, Modesto, CA 95355

• Phone: (209) 557-6200

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

• Eligibility: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare (enrollment assistance available). Visit during walk-in hours or call to schedule an appointment.

Modesto Gospel Mission 

While not exclusively for veterans, the Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, and their Freedom Road recovery program. Veterans struggling with addiction or other challenges can find comprehensive support here.

• Address: 1400 Yosemite Boulevard, Modesto, CA 95354

• Phone: (209) 529-8259

• Eligibility: Adults in need. Walk in for meals and emergency shelter; call for program information.

Salvation Army Berberian Shelter

The Salvation Army operates an emergency shelter providing a nutritious meal, a warm bed and a clean shower to those in need. Veterans are prioritized for available beds.

• Address: 320 9th Street, Modesto, CA 95354

• Phone: (209) 525-3750

• Hours: 24/7 for shelter; office hours Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

• Eligibility: Adults experiencing homelessness.

Other Sliding-Scale and Low-Cost Housing Options:

Stanislaus County Affordable Housing Corporation (STANCO)

 STANCO develops and manages affordable housing throughout the county, with some units designated for veterans. They also offer homebuyer education and down payment assistance programs.

• Address: 909 15th Street, Suite 6, Modesto, CA 95354

• Phone: (209) 574-1155

• Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

• Eligibility: Income restrictions apply; veteran preference for some units

Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority – HUD-VASH Program 

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines rental assistance vouchers from HUD with case management and clinical services from the VA. Contact the Modesto VA Clinic (209-557-6200) or call the National Homeless Veteran Hotline (1-877-424-3838) for referral. Tenants pay approximately 30% of income toward rent.

• Address: 1612 Sisk Road, Modesto, CA 95358

• Phone: (209) 557-2000

• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM

• Eligibility: Homeless veterans; referral from VA required

The Hidden History of Veteran Housing: Why This Fight Matters

The struggle for veteran housing assistance has deep roots in American history. On March 3, 1865—just weeks before his assassination—President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation establishing the National Home for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, creating the first federal system to house veterans returning from the Civil War. This marked the beginning of our nation's commitment to those who served.

What many people don't realize is that the modern American suburb owes its existence partly to veterans. After World War II, the 1944 GI Bill helped 8 million returning service members purchase homes, fundamentally reshaping American housing and creating the middle class as we know it. Veterans didn't just defend our country—they literally built the neighborhoods we live in today.

Here's a little-known fact: The term "veteran homelessness" wasn't even tracked as a separate category until the 1980s, when advocates noticed that a disproportionate number of people living on the streets had served in Vietnam. This recognition sparked the creation of most programs that exist today.

And here's a shocking reality: Despite representing only 6% of the general population, veterans once made up nearly a quarter of all homeless individuals in America. In 1996, veterans comprised 23% of the homeless population. Thanks to dedicated programs—many of which are available right here in Stanislaus County—that number has dropped to approximately 8% nationally.

What This Means for Our Community

Recent estimates show that hundreds of veterans in Stanislaus County face housing instability — and many are connected to unsheltered situations or frequent moves between temporary housing. Local action by county agencies, nonprofit partners, and community volunteers helps slowly reduce these numbers, but the need remains.

One veteran shared that after months without stable housing, case management through HAT and support from the county veteran services office helped him secure a rental unit and begin part‑time work with steady income — a turning point for the family.

By understanding and using these services, veterans and their families can better navigate post‑service life with dignity, stability, and connection to community resources.

Veterans Housing Crisis in Stanislaus County: The Numbers That Matter

Our community faces a significant challenge. According to the 2024 Point-in-Time Count, Stanislaus County recorded 2,052 individuals experiencing homelessness, with approximately 150 of those being veterans who served our nation. California alone accounts for 28% of all homeless veterans in the United States—roughly 9,310 individuals—with a staggering 69% of them living unsheltered on our streets.

But there's genuine hope. Veteran homelessness nationwide reached a record low in 2024, dropping 7.5% from the previous year. Right here in the Central Valley, the VA reported that 669 veterans found permanent housing through local programs in 2025 alone. These aren't just statistics—they're neighbors, parents, and heroes who now have keys to their own front doors.

Advocate for More Veterans Housing Resources

While Stanislaus County offers meaningful support, our community needs more housing options for veterans. If you want to advocate for expanded services, contact the Stanislaus County Veterans Advisory Commission. This volunteer board advises the County Board of Supervisors on veterans' issues and welcomes public input at their monthly meetings.

• Contact: Claudia Gomez at (209) 558-4613

• Email: kegleyry@stancounty.com

You can also attend Board of Supervisors meetings to speak during public comment periods about the need for veteran housing resources.

In Conclusion

Stanislaus County offers numerous free and low-cost housing resources for veterans, including emergency rental assistance through the Veterans Foundation of Stanislaus County (209-343-6292), the HUD-VASH voucher program providing long-term rental subsidies, and Catholic Charities SSVF for those at immediate risk of homelessness. Start by calling the National Homeless Veteran Hotline at 1-877-424-3838 (24/7) or visiting the Housing Assessment Team at 912 D Street, Modesto. Bring your DD-214 and ID. Approximately 150 veterans experience homelessness in our county, but local programs helped 669 Central Valley veterans find permanent housing in 2025 alone. Help is available—you've earned it.

Resumen en Español

El Condado de Stanislaus ofrece numerosos recursos de vivienda gratuitos y de bajo costo para veteranos, incluyendo asistencia de emergencia para la renta a través de la Veterans Foundation of Stanislaus County (209-343-6292), el programa de vales HUD-VASH que proporciona subsidios de alquiler a largo plazo, y Catholic Charities SSVF para quienes están en riesgo inmediato de quedarse sin hogar. Empiece llamando a la Línea Nacional para Veteranos sin Hogar al 1-877-424-3838 (disponible 24/7) o visitando al Housing Assessment Team en 912 D Street, Modesto. Lleve su formulario DD-214 y su identificación. Aproximadamente 150 veteranos experimentan falta de vivienda en nuestro condado, pero los programas locales ayudaron a 669 veteranos del Valle Central a encontrar vivienda permanente solo en 2025. La ayuda está disponible: usted se la ha ganado.

If you know someone who could benefit from these services, share this post with them. Together, we can ensure that every person in Stanislaus County receives the support they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What housing help can homeless veterans get in Stanislaus County?

Homeless veterans in Stanislaus County can access emergency shelter at the Salvation Army Berberian Center and the Modesto Gospel Mission. Rental assistance can be accessed through Catholic Charities SSVF, and long-term housing vouchers through the HUD-VASH program. Start by calling the National Homeless Veteran Hotline at 1-877-424-3838 or visiting the Housing Assessment Team at 912 D Street in Modesto.

Do I need a DD-214 to get veterans housing assistance?

While having your DD-214 speeds up the process, you can still access services without it. The Stanislaus County Veterans Services office at (209) 558-7380 can help you request a replacement. Some programs can verify your service through other means while your paperwork is processed.

How long does it take to get a HUD-VASH housing voucher?

Wait times for HUD-VASH vouchers vary based on availability and your assessment score. Contact the Modesto VA Clinic at (209) 557-6200 to request a referral and get on the waiting list. Emergency cases may receive priority placement.

Can veteran family members get housing help too?

Yes. Many programs, including Catholic Charities SSVF and the Veterans Foundation of Stanislaus County, assist veteran families—including spouses, dependent children, and in some cases surviving family members of deceased veterans. Contact the specific program to verify eligibility for your situation.

Where can I get help today if I'm a veteran about to lose my housing?

If you're facing eviction or will lose your housing within 14 days, contact Catholic Charities SSVF immediately at (209) 444-5943. They provide emergency rental assistance specifically for veterans at risk of homelessness. You can also call the National Homeless Veteran Hotline at 1-877-424-3838 anytime, day or night.

When you notice that a service or resource isn't widely available, help our community by sharing what you know here on the Stanislaus Info Hub.

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