Housing routeI need housing or I’m at risk of losing it
Start with VA’s national homeless-veteran route and use HOPE’s existing Journey so the next steps stay organized.
HOPE Journey + VA1Talk to a VA homeless-services counselorThe National Call Center for Homeless Veterans is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
2Open the HOPE JourneyThe homeless-veteran Journey keeps steps, receipts, and recovery inside HOPE’s existing Journey Engine.
3Find the nearest VA locationIf you need local help, find the nearest facility and ask for homeless services.
Recovery: If the first handoff fails, call the national line again, ask for the correct local office, and keep any name, reference number, or follow-up date.
Benefits routeI need help with benefits, a claim, or an appeal
Don’t guess the form. Start with an accredited representative and prepare the packet before submitting it.
VSO + paperwork1Find an accredited representativeVA maintains a search for accredited VSOs, claims agents, and attorneys. Accredited VSO representation on VA benefit claims is free.
2Prepare the documentsUse HOPE’s veterans paperwork desk to organize what you have without sharing passwords or auto-submitting anything.
3Confirm with VAFor benefits questions or claim status, use the official VA benefits hotline.
Recovery: If you don’t know which benefit applies, call MyVA411 at 800-698-2411 and ask to be routed to the right program.
Health routeI need health care, enrollment, or crisis support
Beacon separates routine enrollment from immediate crisis support so the urgent route never gets buried.
HOPE Journey + VA health1If it’s a crisis, use the crisis route nowCall 988 then press 1, text 838255, or use Veterans Crisis Line chat.
2For enrollment, open the HOPE JourneyThe VA health-enrollment Journey keeps the steps together and links to the current official procedure.
3Use the national enrollment channelVA allows health-care applications online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Recovery: If you already applied and haven’t heard back, don’t duplicate the application. Use VA’s official enrollment support to check status.
Work routeI need work, training, or a new employment direction
Start with VA employment programs and use VR&E when a service-connected disability limits work.
Employment + VR&E1Explore employment programsVA groups employment, career planning, education, training, and Veteran-owned business support.
2Check VR&E if it may fitVR&E may support training, job search, return to work, self-employment, or independent living for eligible Veterans.
3Keep one concrete next stepKeep the application, appointment, counselor name, or follow-up date instead of leaving the process as a list of links.
Recovery: If VR&E doesn’t fit or you’re unsure which program applies, return to the general VA employment route or ask MyVA411 for the right handoff.
Legal and records routeI need my DD214, records, or legal help
First identify whether you need a record, representation on a claim, or legal help outside the benefits process.
Records + legal help1For DD214 and military recordsVA and the National Archives explain how to request separation documents and service records.
2For a claim or appealUse a VA-accredited representative rather than paying an unverified claims helper.
3For other legal needsVA’s Office of General Counsel maintains a legal-help page for Veterans and pro-bono clinic resources.
Recovery: If the problem is a VA benefits claim, return to the Benefits route and use an accredited VSO or representative.
Orientation routeI don’t know where to start
You don’t need to know the program name. Start with a real person, find the right office, then return to Beacon with one concrete next step.
Human first1Call MyVA411VA’s main information line can route you to the right program or team.
2Find a nearby facilityFind a medical center, benefits office, Vet Center, or other VA service near you.
3Come back with the name of the next stepOnce you know what you need, choose one of the other Beacon routes or use HOPE’s general search.
Recovery: If you get transferred repeatedly without an answer, ask for the responsible office name and a direct number or callback date.