South mississippi veteran resources

Biloxi Veterans Affairs: 228-523-5000 or 800-296-8872, https://www.biloxi.va.gov, Veterans Affairs offers a wide array of resources for all veterans who qualify including mental health care and housing assistance. There are benefits at the VA specifically designed to help Post-9/11 vets (OEF/OIF/OND) transition into the VA system and civilian life from active duty.

The VA recently launched a new Welcome Kit to help provide a smoother transition for veterans to understand their benefits.

The Vets Center: 228-388-9938, Just south of the VA on Veterans Avenue in Biloxi, the center offers confidential one-on-one, group, and family counseling for veterans and other services. While it is a part of the VA, it operates independently.

Keesler Medical Center: White Avenue, Biloxi; Keesler Medical Center was recently named the best hospital in the Air Force. Serves active duty members, retirees, their family members and veterans who are referred by any VA facility to our Medical Treatment Facility. KMC has a partnership with the Biloxi VA to ensure that there is a smooth transition to assist with this care.

Fleet and Family Support Center, Gulfport Naval Construction Battalion Center, Pass Road: 228-871-3000, Provides a wide variety of free services for all military members, retirees, and eligible family members.

Recovery Care Management,Gulfport Naval Construction Battalion Center, Pass Road: 228-871-3774 or jammmie.cook.ctr@navy.mil, Assists wounded Navy personnel with rehabilitation to return to duty and help with transition to civilian life.

The Airman & Family Readiness Center, Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi: 228-376-8728, 1-866-301-9436, Provides services for Wounded Warriors, primarily Air Force, co-ordinates with Air Force Aid Society.

Combat Wounded Veterans of South Mississippi:228-243-7272, Offers temporary financial assistance to veterans. Caseworkers develop long-term plans for combat wounded veterans and their families to receive benefits.

Crusaders for Veterans: http://crusadersforveterans.com, 217-201-1330 or cfv@crusadersforveterans.com, Offers temporary financial assistance to veterans in need on a case-by-case basis. Case managers assist with filing disability claims and resources for finding work.

Back Bay Mission: Howard Avenue in Biloxi, 228-432-0301, Veterans Support Fund for temporary financial assistance outside of other programs.

WIN Job Center: Gulfport, 228-897-6900, Disabled Veterans Outreach Program focuses on veterans who have significant barriers to employment.

All-American Way: 228-238-6407, https://www.facebook.com/TheAllAmericanway, Organizes outdoor events (fishing, hunting, snow skiing, whitewater rafting, kayaking) for wounded veterans, Wounded Spirits PTSD support group, and equine therapy for PTSD and TBI.

Mental Health Association of South Mississippi: 4803 Harrison Circle, Gulfport, 228-864-6274, Provides resources and support services for those seeking mental wellness and recovery, including drop-in centers in Gulfport and Ocean Springs and other programs.

Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association: 321-720-1211 or cvma00101@yahoo.com, Helps veteran care facilities provide a warm meal, clothing, shelter and guidance, or simply to say “thank you” and “welcome home.”

FOCUS: NMCB Gulfport: 228-822-5736, gulfport@focusproject.org, KAFB Biloxi 228-377-3453, keesler@focusproject.orgwww.focusproject.org, Families OverComing Under Stress helps active duty and activated reservists of all branches learn how to proactively handle stress and transitions.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families: 601-264-4629, 228-214-3244, www.usm.edu/military-veterans,Provides full support for service members and veterans and their families who are pursuing a higher education degree at USM.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families: 601-545-3668, 888-291-0646, http://www.southmsveteransresources.com, Provides temporary financial assistance, case management, assistance with obtaining VA other public benefits.

Includes these programs in South Mississippi:

Hancock Resource Center: 228-463-8887,http://www.hancockhrc.org, Works to stabilize families and strengthen the community by addressing barriers to housing for veterans in Hancock, Pearl River and Harrison counties.

Soldier On:1-866-406-8449, Focused on supporting veterans struggling with issues relating to housing, health care or substance abuse. They also provide peer support, counseling, financial support, employment services and more.

Oak Arbor:601-545-3668, Providing housing assistance to low income veterans in South Mississippi.