Oakland Vet Center

On a single night in January 2017, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimated that more than 40,000 veterans were homeless, and of tho...se, about 9 percent -- or 3,600, were women... unfortunately that number has only increased! From 2016 to 2017, the number of homeless women veterans increased by 7 percent, compared to 1 percent of male veterans. And those numbers may be even greater than current data shows, according to women veterans who testified at a Congressional hearing Wednesday.

If you are Active Duty, and you were either combat deployed or exposed to Military Sexual Trauma, then you meet eligibility requirements to be treated at any Vet Center. Our records are kept confidential from your unit, the VA, or whomever you don’t want to have your information. Many Vet Center employees are themselves veterans, and we know what you are going through. YOU ARE NEVER ALONE. Please come see us.

Thank you to all Vietnam Veterans. You have borne the battle in so many ways, and we are grateful for and respectful of your sacrifices and service.

‘Til Valhalla, brother.

Vet Centers have been doing this since the 1970s! We wish more people knew about us. Veterans started talking other Veterans down because the VA was not a place Veterans felt safe or cared for during and after the highly unpopular Vietnam Conflict. Veterans were advised to dump their uniforms before leaving the airport upon their arrivals back into the States, and to leave looking as civilian as possible. Vet Centers arose as an answer to the hopelessness and isolation those returning from War felt, and it was Veterans who met in cafes, homes, anywhere they could to counsel their own and help them readjust to civilian society. Our legacy is rich and we are proud to serve our brothers and sisters who have borne the battle. Vet Centers - started by vets, for vets.

This is heartbreaking news. Please, please come in and talk to someone. If you do not feel comfortable in big facilities like VA hospitals, any Vet Center will be honored to help you. It is NEVER too late. You are important. You have a purpose. Your next mission is just around the corner. Rest In Peace, brother.

‘Til Valhalla, brother. Semper Fi. Mental health services are so important to all, and crucial to those who serve. Vet Centers are a small part of the VA healthcare system but we are proud to help as many Active Duty, Veterans and their families as we can to understand the challenges that come from experiencing trauma, and how to mitigate the effects of PTSD so that they can live better, healthier and happier lives post trauma. Knowing the symptoms and coping mechanisms to combat them saves lives!! Surviving trauma is not enough; we want you to thrive.

This is so heartening!

The Oakland Vet Center Monthly Pot Luck is almost here. Come share food and conversation with our community this Friday at Noon!

On July 25, 2018, Alameda County Supervisor Valle presented the Veterans Art Project commendation to Oakland Vet Center Director Dr. David Joseph with local Vet...erans, Oakland Vet Center Staff, Alameda County Leadership, and Alameda County Arts Commissioners and Staff. Photos by Paul Kuroda. See more

Thanks to the Alameda Arts Commission for their dedication to bringing their art program to our veterans. The program has so much meaning to our Center. Their work gets showcased all around Alameda County. Most importantly, our veterans feel a tremendous therapeutic benefit from making the art together, as a community of veterans. Thank you to Alameda County Supervisor Valle for the recognition. It promotes awareness of this great program and our Vet Center. A very special thank you to Violet Juno of the Alameda Arts Commission for organizing and facilitating all of our art events!