Veterans Bridge Home: Complete Guide for Veterans and Families
Veterans Bridge Home is a nonprofit organization serving veterans and military families in North Carolina and South Carolina. Founded in Charlotte in 2011, VBH connects veterans to housing, employment, healthcare, and VA benefits through a network of over 400 partners. Services are free, with no income restrictions.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Veterans Bridge Home (VBH) |
| Founded | 2011 in Charlotte, NC |
| Founder | Tommy Norman, Special Forces veteran |
| Service Area | North Carolina and South Carolina |
| Eligibility | All veterans, service members, and families regardless of discharge status |
| Income Limits | No income restrictions for core services |
| Cost | Free |
| Phone | 866-249-6656 |
| Response Time | Call back within 48 business hours |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What Is Veterans Bridge Home?
Veterans Bridge Home is a nonprofit organization that connects veterans, service members, and their families to resources and support in North Carolina and South Carolina. It serves as a trusted entry point—a “bridge”—for military-connected individuals transitioning to civilian life.
What it is: A care coordination organization that links veterans to housing, employment, healthcare, and benefits.
Who qualifies: All veterans, active duty, Guard/Reserve, and family members—regardless of service era, discharge status, or disability level.
Why it matters: Navigating veteran services is complex. VBH provides one point of contact that connects you to the right resources without requiring you to figure it out alone.
What veterans should do next: Call 866-249-6656 or complete the Request Assistance form at veteransbridgehome.org. Expect a call back within 48 business hours.
Who Does Veterans Bridge Home Serve?
Veterans Bridge Home serves all military-connected individuals—veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and their families. There are no income restrictions to access VBH’s comprehensive services.
Eligibility Categories
Veterans of any service era, regardless of discharge status
Active duty service members
National Guard and Reserve members (explicitly eligible for all programs)
Military spouses and caregivers
Gold Star and White Star families (families of fallen and missing service members)
Surviving family members
No Barriers to Service
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityVBH operates on a “no wrong door” policy. If you contact them, they will help—even if you’re not in an area they typically serve. They welcome all veterans regardless of discharge status or criminal history.
Services Provided by Veterans Bridge Home
Veterans Bridge Home provides holistic, personalized support across five key areas: housing, employment, healthcare, financial assistance, and community connection. The C.A.R.E.S. model guides their approach.
The C.A.R.E.S. Framework
Connect — VBH engages veterans directly and through outreach events.
Assess — Staff listen and learn about each veteran’s specific situation.
Respond — VBH links veterans to tailored resources and services.
Empower — They advocate and ensure veterans access every opportunity they deserve.
Sustain — They celebrate long-term success and reinforce ongoing support.
Housing Support
VBH does not provide direct housing, but assists veterans in securing safe and sustainable housing solutions. They work with government agencies, private entities, and nonprofits to facilitate access to housing resources.
The organization has received federal grants to provide housing support to veterans, including American Rescue Plan Act funding for Mecklenburg County veterans financially impacted by COVID-19.
What they do:
Connect veterans to Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
Help with housing navigation and applications
Coordinate moving support when available
Refer to emergency shelter and rapid rehousing programs
Employment Support
Employment was identified as the number one challenge facing returning veterans in a 2012 Foundation for the Carolinas report. VBH helps veterans navigate employment through partner networks.
Employment services include:
Job search assistance and placement
Career counseling and resume support
Connections to veteran-friendly employers
Skills translation from military to civilian roles
Healthcare and Mental Wellness
VBH connects veterans to mental and physical health services. They can refer to VA healthcare, community providers, and counseling resources.
For crisis situations:
Emotional Crisis: Call 988 and press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line)
Medical Emergency: Call 911
Behavioral Health: Alliance Behavioral Health 24/7 at 800-510-9132
Financial Assistance
VBH does not offer direct financial assistance, but has established partnerships to pool resources for financial aid. They connect veterans to organizations that provide emergency funds, rent assistance, and other financial support.
VA Benefits Navigation
VBH helps veterans navigate the complex VA benefits system. This includes assistance with disability compensation claims, pension, healthcare enrollment, and other earned benefits.
Community Connection
VBH creates social connections and helps veterans settle their families. They host regular events including Vet’s Coffee gatherings.
Veterans Bridge Home Locations and Service Areas
Veterans Bridge Home serves veterans across North Carolina and South Carolina through regional teams and partner networks.
North Carolina Service Areas
Charlotte Region — Mecklenburg and surrounding counties
Triad Region — Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point area
Triangle Region — Raleigh/Durham area
Sandhills Region
South Carolina Service Areas
Aiken area
Columbia/Midlands region — VBH launched a Collective Impact initiative in the Midlands, working to unify approximately 100 of the 233 military-serving organizations in the 12-county region
Physical Locations
Charlotte Office:
5260 Parkway Plaza Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
(near Charlotte Douglas International Airport)
Vet’s Coffee Location:
3rd Thursday of each month at 7:30 AM
5280 Parkway Plaza Blvd
Myers Park Methodist Church:
4th Thursday of each month at 7:00 AM
Higher Grounds coffee shop
How to Get Help from Veterans Bridge Home
Contact Veterans Bridge Home by phone, online form, or in-person visit. Expect a call back within 48 business hours.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Contact VBH
Call 866-249-6656
Complete the Request Assistance form at veteransbridgehome.org
Step 2: Intake Assessment
An intake coordinator will call you back within 48 business hours. They will ask about your situation and needs.
Step 3: Personalized Support
Following intake, a dedicated staff member contacts you to provide tailored assistance based on your specific needs.
Step 4: Connection to Resources
VBH links you to the appropriate services through their partner network of over 400 organizations.
What to Have Ready
While not required, having the following can speed up the process:
Your DD-214 or discharge documents (if available)
Basic information about your current needs
Contact information (phone and email)
Crisis Resources
If you are in immediate crisis:
Emotional Crisis: 988, press 1
Medical Emergency: 911
Behavioral Health Emergency: 800-510-9132 (Alliance Behavioral Health)
The Veterans Pathway to Home Ownership Program
Veterans Bridge Home administers a home ownership grant program providing $10,000 grants to eligible veterans for first home purchases.
Program Details
Grant Amount: $10,000
Purpose: Help with any aspect of purchasing and moving into a home
Disbursement: Wired at closing
Key Requirement: Recipients must live in the home for at least three years
Eligibility
Available to eligible veterans in counties served by VBH. Contact VBH directly for specific eligibility criteria and application details.
History of Veterans Bridge Home
Veterans Bridge Home was founded in July 2011 by Tommy Norman, a Special Forces veteran, and his wife Patty. It began as a grassroots effort to help one local veteran in crisis.
The Founding Story
Tommy Norman served in Army Special Forces until 1972. After returning to Charlotte and building a career in commercial real estate, he helped raise funds for a Vietnam War memorial honoring 101 Charlotte natives killed in Vietnam.
Then a friend called asking for help moving a wounded Iraq War veteran to Charlotte. Norman didn’t hesitate. More calls followed. Soon the Normans were welcoming veterans into their home, helping them find jobs, housing, and schools for their children.
As the need outpaced their personal efforts, they founded Veterans Bridge Home with support from the Charlotte business community.
Growth and Impact
Today, VBH serves North Carolina and South Carolina through a network of more than 400 partners. The organization connects thousands of veterans each year to housing, employment, healthcare, and community.
In the last reported year, VBH connected 357 out-of-area veterans with needed services.
Charity Navigator Rating and Financial Accountability
Veterans Bridge Home holds a Charity Navigator rating with strong accountability metrics. The organization demonstrates financial health and transparency.
Key Accountability Metrics
| Metric | Status |
|---|---|
| Independent Board Members | 93% (15 of 15) |
| Audit and Oversight Committee | Yes |
| Conflict of Interest Policy | Listed |
| Whistleblower Policy | Listed |
| Documents Retention Policy | Listed |
| Program Expense Ratio | 75.00% |
| Fundraising Efficiency | $0.09 per dollar raised |
Source: Charity Navigator, FY 2024 data
Common Mistakes When Seeking Veteran Assistance
Trying to navigate services alone. The VA system and community resources are complex. VBH exists to simplify the process through one point of contact.
Assuming you don’t qualify. VBH serves all veterans regardless of discharge status, income, or service era. If you’re wondering if you qualify—you do.
Waiting until crisis point. While VBH helps in emergencies, connecting earlier allows more options for housing, employment, and benefits navigation.
Not following up after initial contact. If VBH calls and you miss it, they will email to schedule a better time. Respond promptly to keep your case moving.
Confusing VBH with a direct service provider. VBH is a connector and navigator, not a direct provider of housing or cash assistance. They bridge you to the organizations that provide those services.
Common Questions
What is Veterans Bridge Home?
Veterans Bridge Home is a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte, NC, that connects veterans and military families in North and South Carolina to housing, employment, healthcare, and VA benefits through a network of over 400 partners.
Who is eligible for Veterans Bridge Home services?
All veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families—regardless of service era, discharge status, or disability level. Gold Star and White Star families are also served. There are no income restrictions for core services.
Is there a cost for Veterans Bridge Home services?
No. All services are free. VBH is a nonprofit organization funded through grants, donations, and partnerships.
How do I contact Veterans Bridge Home?
Call 866-249-6656 or complete the Request Assistance form at veteransbridgehome.org. You can also visit the Charlotte office at 5260 Parkway Plaza Blvd. Expect a call back within 48 business hours.
What areas does Veterans Bridge Home serve?
VBH serves North Carolina and South Carolina through regional teams. Major service areas include Charlotte, the Triad (Greensboro/Winston-Salem), the Triangle (Raleigh/Durham), the Sandhills, and the Midlands of South Carolina (Columbia area).
Does Veterans Bridge Home provide direct financial assistance?
No. VBH does not offer direct financial assistance. However, they have strategic partnerships with organizations that do provide financial aid and can connect you to those resources.
Does Veterans Bridge Home provide housing?
VBH does not provide direct housing but assists veterans in securing safe and sustainable housing through a network of programs including SSVF, rapid rehousing, and emergency shelter referrals.
Can National Guard members get help from Veterans Bridge Home?
Yes. National Guard members are explicitly eligible for assistance through VBH’s comprehensive programs.
What is the Veterans Pathway to Home Ownership program?
It’s a program administered by VBH that provides $10,000 grants to eligible veterans for first home purchases. The money is wired at closing and can be used for any aspect of buying and moving into a home. Recipients must live in the home for at least three years.
How long does it take to get a call back from Veterans Bridge Home?
You should expect a call back within 48 business hours. If VBH misses your call, they will email to schedule a time that works for you.
What should I do in a crisis?
For emotional crisis, call 988 and press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line). For medical emergencies, call 911. For behavioral health emergencies, Alliance Behavioral Health is available 24/7 at 800-510-9132.
Does Veterans Bridge Home help with VA benefits?
Yes. VBH helps veterans navigate the complex VA benefits system, including disability compensation claims, pension, healthcare enrollment, and other earned benefits.
Key Takeaways
Veterans Bridge Home is a nonprofit serving veterans in NC and SC since 2011
All services are free with no income restrictions for core programs
Eligibility includes all veterans regardless of discharge status, plus active duty, Guard, Reserve, and families
VBH connects veterans to housing, employment, healthcare, and VA benefits through 400+ partners
Call 866-249-6656 or visit veteransbridgehome.org; expect call back within 48 business hours
The C.A.R.E.S. model guides VBH’s approach: Connect, Assess, Respond, Empower, Sustain
The $10,000 Veterans Pathway to Home Ownership grant helps veterans buy first homes
Crisis resources: 988 (press 1) for emotional crisis, 911 for medical emergencies
VBH holds strong Charity Navigator ratings with 75% program expense ratio
“No wrong door” policy means VBH helps everyone who contacts them
Official Resources
Veterans Bridge Home: veteransbridgehome.org | 866-249-6656
VA Benefits: va.gov
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1) | Text 838255
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: (877) 424-3838
VA Vet Center Locator: va.gov/find-locations
SSVF Program: va.gov/homeless/ssvf
🇺🇸 IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Veterans Benefits Information
This site provides general information about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits for educational and informational purposes only.
- Not Official: We are NOT affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), or any other government agency.
- No Legal/Financial Advice: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. VA benefits rules change frequently – always consult with an accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) or a qualified professional for your specific situation.
- Official Sources: For official, binding information and to apply for benefits, always visit official .gov websites: VA.gov, Benefits.VA.gov, or SSA.gov.
- No Data Collection: This site does not collect, store, or process any personal information. It does not have login forms, contact forms, or any system to capture user data. We never ask for your Social Security Number, bank details, or any personal information.
- 🚨 Scam Alert: The VA and other government agencies never charge fees for benefit applications. If anyone asks for money to "process" your VA claim, it is a scam. Report it to the VA Office of Inspector General at VA.gov/OIG.
- Advertising: This site uses third-party advertising (Adsterra) to cover operational costs. We do not endorse or guarantee any products or services advertised.
📌 Information provided as of June 2026. Always verify current eligibility and rules with official .gov sources.
This site is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency. All information is for educational purposes only. Please visit VA.gov for official information.
