Santa Cruz County Veteran Network

VSO (Veteran Services Office)

VSO of Santa Cruz

842 Front Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-454-7276

Open:
‍
Monday - Thursday. 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 5pm

http://www.cacvso.org

vets@santacruzcounty.us

Veteran Services Officer

Dean Kaufman

Veterans Services Representative

VSR Lorena Vazquez

VSR Sheila Challberg

VSR Stephanie Dieguez

The Santa Cruz County Veterans Service Office (VSO) will actively pursue the rights of veterans and dependents of the United States Armed Forces to receive the benefits they have earned.

We will work collaboratively with the following nationally chartered veterans organizations:

Department of Veterans Affairs
CalVet
Other organizations to assure that veterans and their dependents receive the entitlements for their military service.

A VSO, along with state, county, and other local Veteran service representatives are trained to help you understand and apply for any VA benefits you may be entitled to including:

Compensation
Pension (Non Service Connected)
Aid & Attendance
Education
Vocational Rehabilitation
Home Loans
Life Insurance
Pension
Health Care
Burial Benefits
And More...

Additionally, your VSO can help you gather any evidence needed and submit a Fully Developed Claim on your behalf. VSOs provide their services free-of-charge.

In addition to assisting Veterans and their families with VA claims, VSOs also sponsor a range of Veteran-centric programs such as providing transportation to and from VA medical center appointments, funds and volunteers for disaster relief, and grants.

VSOs also lobby Congress on behalf of issues facing Veterans and help support requests for resources needed by VA to better serve Veterans, their families, and survivors.

VSO Flyer Visit Our Benefits Page

Veteran Advocate

842 Front Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-454-7276

Travis Deyoung

travis.deyoung@santacruzcounty.us

831-588-0589 (cell)

The Veteran Advocate of Santa Cruz County assists veterans with access to all VA benefits, state benefits, and local benefits. The Veteran Advocate works to collaborate with local service providers and resources to help veterans overcome any of the challenges they are faced with.

The Veteran Advocate is dedicated to assisting veterans with any need regardless of period of service, time in service, and type of discharge.

*Assist any veteran for any need*

Visit Our Benefits Page

VA Capitola Clinic

Capitola Clinic

1350 41st Avenue, Suite 102

Capitola, CA 95010-3906

(831) 464-5519

Open: Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 4PM

The Capitola Clinic is an outpatient facility, and is part of the VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

Please note this facility does not have walk-in appointments available and does not provide emergency services.*

* Veterans are strongly encouraged to call first
1-800-455-0057 (select #4) to speak to an Advice Nurse for any medical concerns.

Capitola Clinic Website Visit Our Healthcare Page

Vet Center

Address

1350 41st Ave.

Capitola, CA 95010

Phone: 831-464-4575

Operational Hours

Monday: 8AM - 6:30PM

Thursday: 7AM - 7:30PM

Saturday: 8AM - 4:30PM
(2nd Saturday of each month)

The goal of the Vet Center program is to provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to eligible veterans in order to help them make a satisfying post-war readjustment to civilian life.

Vet Center Brochure Mental Health Needs of Veterans, Service Members, and their Families Vet Center Website Vet Center National Website

Vets Hall

Address

846 Front St

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Mailing Address

P.O. Box 1303

Santa Cruz, CA, 95061

Mission Statement

The Vets Hall is a community recreation and cultural center servicing public functions and provides rental space for numerous educational and cultural organizations and activities. It is an ideal location for classes, meetings, workshops, receptions, concerts and special events.

To further our mission, the Vets Hall aims to cultivate the following goals:

■ Retain the first priority of the SCCVMB use for veterans affairs, both the governmental programs presently using the SCCVMB and the veterans organizational activities, present and future, requiring space in the SCCVMB.

■ Promote public education in the arts.

■ Honor the SCCVMB’s status as a registered historical building.

■ Cultivate use of the SCCVMB by rent paying community groups.

■ Develop the auditorium into an attractive facility for concerts productions, dramatic performances, and other performing and fine arts classes.

Vets Hall Website SCC Veterans Memorial Building - Factsheet

HUD-VASH

The HUD-VASH Program provides low-income homeless Veterans with a specialized Housing Choice Voucher to be used at the rental of their choosing. In addition to the rental subsidy, eligible Veterans also receive ongoing VA services from VA Palo Alto Health Care System.

The HUD-VASH Program is a partnership between the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and many local Public Housing Authorities (PHA).

VA provides these services for participating Veterans at VA medical centers and community-based outreach clinics.

VA Palo Alto - HUD-VASH Visit Our Housing Page

Paget Center

Hands holding a House with the American Flag

Address
831 Paget Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 227-8097 Intake Coordinator
‍(831) 425-5591 House Staff Line
information@frontst.com

Open:
Eligibility screenings every Wednesday at
Veterans Memorial Building.
846 Front Street from 10AM - NOON

The Paget Center is a 90-Day Emergency Housing Program for homeless veterans. Here, veterans learn to access VA resources and transition into permanent housing.

Visit Our Housing Page

VRC (Veterans Resource Center)

Address

1658 Soquel Drive, Suite B

Santa Cruz, CA 95065

(831) 477-7515

scvrc@vetsresource.org

The Santa Cruz Veterans Resource Center supports low-income veterans living in or transitioning to permanent housing through the SSVF Program.

*SSVF Grant – provides deposit and rent assistance to homeless veterans*

Santa Cruz County VRC Santa Cruz VRC Factsheet Visit Our Housing Page

HSC (Homeless Services Center)

Address
115-B Coral Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 295-8166
ssvf@santacruzhsc.org

The Santa Cruz County Homeless Services Center partners with individuals and families to move them from homelessness into permanent housing. The center provides access to transitional shelters, permanent housing programs, and employment support.

*SSVF Grant – provides deposit and rent assistance to homeless veterans*

Homeless Services Center Website Visit Our Housing Page

EDD (Employment Development Dept.)

Capitola Career Center (EDD)
2045 40th Avenue
Capitola, CA 95010
Phone: (831) 464-6286
Open M-F: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

The Employment Development Department (EDD), located at the Capitola Career Center, provides job seekers with information, workshops, job fairs, access to technology, and other resources at no cost.

Employment Links and Information

Looking for work or employees? - Contact us Jobs for Veteran Search Companies looking to Hire Veterans Careers for Vets at Google USA Jobs Search Feds hire vets (Federal Jobs for Veterans)Careers for Vets at Tesla Careers for Vets at FEMA Visit Our Employment Page

VRSI

Address:
215 Reservation Road Suite R
Marina, CA, 93933
Phone: (831) 393-4080
(831) 224-5943 (From VRSI Website)
info@vrspecialists.com

Meeting:
At the Vets Hall during Veteran Services Day Every Wednesday 9AM - NOON

VRSI provides employment services for homeless veterans and other eligible veterans including vocational counseling and vocational evaluation.

VRSI - Specialists Visit Our Employment Page

VTC (Veterans Transitional Housing Center)

Veterans Transitional Housing Center

220 12th Street, Martinez Hall
Marina, CA 93933
Phone: (831) 883-VETS
email: info@vtcmonterey.org

Veterans Transition Center Website Visit Our Housing Page

VIC (Veterans Information Center)

Address:
6500 Soquel Drive
Bldg. 900, Room 914
Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: (831) 479-6110
email: cabrillovets@gmail.com

The Veterans Information Center at Cabrillo College provides information and resources to help veterans transition from active duty to student life. The center, operated by veterans for veterans, is a place for veterans to form positive, supportive relationships with other veterans.

cabrillo.edu - Veterans Overview Visit Our Education Page

UCSC

Gloria Lozano, Certifying Official
Phone: (831) 459-2709
email: gloria@ucsc.edu

As the Coordinator for Registration, Residency, and Veterans, Gloria Lozano administers the GI Benefits and a veteran’s access to priority registration at UCSC.

UCSC Stars Veteran Resource Center

UCSC STARS
1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95064

Vets Center at the Kresge College Administrative Building
Phone: (831) 459-1520
email: vets@ucsc.edu

The UCSC STARS Veteran Resource Center provides veterans on campus with academic and personal support services including, veteran peer mentors who are available on a drop-in or by-appointment basis to assist student veterans.

UCSC Veterans Benefits Page Services for Transfer and Re-Entry Students Visit Our Education Page

Veterans Connect @ The Library

Address:
‍Downtown Branch Library
224 Church Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

California public libraries, in partnership with California Department of Veterans Affairs, are working to connect veterans and their families to benefits and services for which they are eligible.

The Veterans Information Center at the Santa Cruz Public Library's Downtown Branch provides a trained volunteer to connect veterans and their families with local, state and federal resources on education, employment, housing, health, disability and other benefits that may be available.

In addition, there will be a collection of books and other resources, and access to computer equipment for extended periods in order to complete online applications and do research.

CALibraries for Veterans (State Website)Santa Cruz Library

Seabright Mortgage

Address:
Brent Edwards, Mortgage Consultant
1734 Seabright Avenue
Santa Cruz, California 95062
‍
Phone
Office: (831) 425-7880
Cell: (831) 818-2002
email: brent@seabrightmortgage.com

Provides Assistance with VA Home loans, Calvet Home loans and conventional loans

Seabright Mortgage - Brent Edwards Visit Our Housing Page

Cal-Vet LINC

Calvin Angel
Local Interagency Network coordinator for Santa Cruz County
Phone:
(831) 647-7617

The Local Interagency Network Coordinator (LINC) plays a dynamic role within local communities, serving as both informational conduits to the community and feedback resources for CalVet.

Each LINC is assigned to one of eight CalVet districts, in which they advocate for veterans, military service members, and their families, in addition to supplementing and supporting county Veteran Service Offices and regional partners to improve and expand on existing services and to assist veterans with employment and educational opportunities.

CalVet State Benefits Visit Our CalVet Page

GI JOsie

Laurabeth M. Lopez, CEO
Address: 4 Bayview Road, Castroville, CA 95012
Email: lb@gijosie.org
Phone: (831) 632-9029

GI Josie provides non-clinical programs and support to women veterans ( and their children) who endure PTSD and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) by creating a transitional ranch community on which our women veterans and their children can live and Heal&Conquer from their service borne traumas.
For more information on this program, please use the links below.

GI Josie Flier GI Jose Website

Veterans Service Day

Address

842 Front Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

831-454-7276

Every Wednesday, veterans are eligible to receive a multitude of services. Most service providers are available between 10 am and 2pm.

See the list below for more information:

■ VA Medical Outreach: VA Physicians are on staff to assist vets with their healthcare needs.

■ VA Harm Reduction: Substance abuse group
10:30 am to Noon
Brenda Taylor-Harris (650) 444-7093

■ VRSI Outreach: Vocational Rehabilitation service for homeless veterans.

■ Paget Center screenings: Emergency 90-day housing for homeless vets

■ VTC (transitional housing)

■ HUD-VASH (permanent supportive housing)

■ Veteran Advocate services will
*Assist any veteran for any need*

■ VSO assistance with claims representation

■ SSVF Grant Services (deposit and rent assistance)

■ EDD (Employment Development Dept)

Veterans Services Day Flyer

Coffee and Conversation

Address
846 Front Street.
Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

Brenda's GroupMeeting Times: 1st and 3rd Wednesday

HARM Reduction & Recovery Groups Visit Our Substance Help Page

Combat Veterans Peer Support Group

Address
846 Front Street.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

A Vietnam Combat Veteran, Mark Sandman, leads a group of veterans in discussing common issues related to readjustment.

HRG (Housing Resource Group)

The Housing Resource Group connects Veterans with local housing resources. The guide below lists all of the meeting times and locations. Low-income Veterans who are eligible for HUD-VASH receive a specialized Housing Choice Voucher to be used at the rental of their choosing.

Housing Resource Group Guide VA Palo Alto - HUD-VASH

Visit Our Housing Page

Vets 4 Vets Computer Lab

Address:
Veterans Memorial Building
846 Front Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Available: Wednesdays 9AM-Noon

The Computer Lab through Vets 4 Vets aims to teach veterans how to utilize computers to find housing, jobs etc.

Faith works ministries

Faith Works Ministry meets once a month at CrossFit Amundson in Santa Cruz, CA. Following a workout, Greg leads a ministry, where he weaves stories and lessons from the Warrior Tradition with the Life of Christ, and Word of God. For more information please use the website link below.

Faith Works Church

UVC (United Veterans Council)

Address/Mailing Address
846 Front St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Meeting Times
4th Tuesday of each month at 6 PM

The United Veterans Council is a monthly assembly at which all Santa Cruz veteran organizations affiliated with the Veterans Memorial Building, and throughout the County are represented.

Veterans Organizations Website

VFW Post #5888

Address:846 Front St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060-4511

Meeting Times:
First Wednesday of the month at 7:30PM or 6:30PM

Commander:
Jack Tracy
Phone: (831) 440-6416

The VFW is a nonprofit veterans service organization comprised of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces that fosters camaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts, serves veterans, the military, and American communities, advocates on behalf of and fights for just compensation, benefits, and health services to veterans.

VFW.org VFWCA.org

VFW Post #7263

Address:2259 7th Ave
Santa Cruz CA 95062-1655

Meeting Times:
2nd Thursday of the month at 6:30PM

Commander:
John Flynn
‍Phone: (831) 475-9804
email: vfw7263@gmail.com

VFW.org VFWCA.org

VFW Post #10110

Address:846 Front Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Meeting Times:
1st Friday of the Month at 1800

Commander:
Hutch Collier (831) 713-9178

VFW.org VFWCA.org

VFW Freedom Post

Address:1960 Freedom Blvd
San Jose, CA 95019
(831) 722-5228

Meeting Times:
1st Wednesday of the month, 7:00PM

VFW.org VFWCA.org

American Legion Post #64

Address:846 Front St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Mailing Address:American Legion Post 0064
PO Box 418
Santa Cruz, CA 95061

Commander
Ronald L. Petty

Adjutant
Dennis Murawsky

Phone:
(831) 227-4716

email:
flynn1747@gmail.com

gunny110@hotmail.com

(831) 708-8511

The American Legion is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization with significant political influence that stands behind issues important to the nation’s veteran community, mentors youth, sponsors wholesome programs in American communities, advocates patriotism and honor, promotes strong national security, supports covering wounded warriors and their families, and raises millions of dollars in donations at the local, state, and national levels to help veterans and their families during times of need and to provide college scholarship opportunities.

Veterans Organizations Website legion.org calegion.org

American Legion Post #121

Address:214 Center Street
Watsonville, CA 95076

Meeting Times:2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30PM

Commander:
Ricky Sanchez

Phone:
(831) 724-0481

Adjutant:

Alvin Hopson

email:
cruzr2@gmail.com
dragonsangry@yahoo.com

Veterans Organizations Website legion.org calegion.org

Marine Corps League

Address:1115 Shafer St
Seaside, CA 93955
Phone: (831) 424-2004
email: stanjarhead@att.net

Meeting Times:1st Saturday of Each Month at 12:00PM

Members of the Marine Corps League join together in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving the traditions and promoting the interests of the United States Marine Corps.

Banding together those who are now serving in the United States Marine Corps and those who have been honorably discharged from that service so that they may effectively promote the ideals of
American freedom and democracy, voluntarily aiding and rendering assistance to all.

Marines and former Marines and to their widows and orphans, and to perpetuate the history of the United States Marine Corps and by fitting acts to observe the anniversaries of historical occasions of particular interest to Marines.

MCL-California- Facebook MCL - National Website

MOAA

The Military Officers Association of America is the nation’s largest and most influential association of military officers.

It is a nonprofit organization that advocates for a strong national defense while remaining nonpartisan, in addition to representing the interests of military officers and their families at every stage of their careers.

Its membership is made up of active duty, retired and former commissioned officers and warrant officers from the uniformed services of the United States.

MOPH

The MOPH's mission is to protect and support all who have received the Purple Heart decoration, foster an environment of goodwill and camaraderie among combat wounded veterans, promote patriotism, support necessary legislative initiatives, and, most importantly, to provide service to all veterans and their families.

Veterans Organizations Website

Blue Star Moms Chapter 14

Address:
2259 7th Ave,
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
stacyanders1962@gmail.com
‍
Mailing Address:
PO Box 66161
Scotts Valley, CA 95067
Phone: (831) 236-9625

Meeting Times:
Last Thursday of the month, 6:30PM

The Blue Star Moms is a support-through-service organization of mothers from all branches of the military, joining to offer support to fellow mothers and families of men and women who serve or have served the military during any period of war or hostilities in which the Armed Forces may be engaged in.

Their main mission is to send care packages to military soldiers who are currently deployed and to support the United States Armed Forces and its veterans.

Santa Cruz Blue Star Moms SC Blue Star Moms - Facebook

Rainbow Veterans

Address:
1117 Soquel Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA, 95062

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 8280,
Santa Cruz, CA, 95061

Meeting Times:
1st Wednesday every month: 6:00PM - 7:30 PM

The Rainbow Veterans is a support group that aims to provide advocacy, recognition, education, support, and resources to all LGBTQ+ active duty personnel, veterans, their partners, family, and friends in Santa Cruz County.

Rainbow Veterans Website Diversity Center - Veterans

DAV

Address:
301 Center St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 247-5891
cybershrink4@yahoo.com

Mailing Address:
107 Gilbert Ct
Santa Cruz, CA 95065

Meeting Times
3rd Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM

DAV is a nonprofit charity that provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations and their families by providing rides for veterans attending medical appointments, assisting veterans with benefit claims, connecting veterans with meaningful employment, hosting job fairs, and providing resources to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the American Dream their sacrifices have made possible.

DAV Website DAV Member Portal Visit Our Transportation Page

Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz

Address:
‍842 Front St,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Meeting Time and LocationMeets second Tuesday of every month from 6PM to 7PM in the basement of the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Santa Cruz.

Group of veterans and friends of veterans committed to assisting our brothers and sisters in need with the support and the resources to overcome any challenging situations.

Vets 4 Vets Santa Cruz Website

Journey for Change

email:
journeyforveteranchange@gmail.com

Journey for Change intends to reduce the number of suicides among veterans by expanding federal law to include a procedure to identify the risk factors of suicide and implement mental health interventions before discharge from active duty.

Journey for Change Facebook

SC Veteran Alliance

Address
2827 S Rodeo Gulch Road,
Soquel, CA 95073
(831) 431-6347 (office)

Seth Smith
VP of Communications and Public Affairs

Provides qualified California military veterans with lab tested medical cannabis. Members of the collective receive free cannabis at every meeting.

Santa Cruz Veteran Alliance

Operation Freedom Paws

Address:
13920 Llagas Ave,
San Martin, CA 95046
Phone: (408) 683-9010

Mailing Address:
777 First Street, PMB 515
Gilroy, CA 95020

Operation Freedom Paws empowers veterans and individuals with disabilities to live a quality life by teaching them to train their own dogs, and certifying them as service dogs.

Essentially, veterans with PTSD, TBI, and/or other needs receive the opportunity to raise and train their own service dog at no cost except a 48 week commitment.

Operation Freedom Paws Website

Operation Surf

Address:
P.O. Box 1581
San Luis Obispo, CA, 93406
Phone: (805) 544-7873
email: info@amazingsurfadventures.org

Amazing Surf Adventures (ASA) develops community programs which utilize surfing in addition to other activities to help individuals change their perspective and overcome their personal challenges.

Operation Surf 4 Veterans aims to unite veterans by focusing on four elements of sustained recovery: Mentorship, Family Support, Brotherhood, and Surfing.

Operation Surf Santa Cruz

Holistic Veterans

Phone: (831) 566-5438
Email: HolisticVeterans@gmail.com

Offers diverse programs and supportive services that provide veterans direct access to holistic healing modalities, conscious business practices, and principles of permaculture.

Veteran Surf Alliance

veteransurfalliance@gmail.com

The Veteran Surf Alliance is based out of Santa Cruz and Pacifica and wants to connect military veterans through surfinga peer-led supportive community that fosters friendships, camaraderie, and stoke.

Veteran Surf Alliance Website

BIVVYCORP

BivvyCorp is a non-profit for homeless veterans made up of three unique programs to provide a hand up, not a hand out. Each phase is designed to educate and employee homeless Veterans through out the process to regain Permanent housing.

BIVVYCORP Home Page