Mural honoring American servicemembers across generations beneath the U.S. flag in the VTC lobby

Empowering Veterans. Restoring Stability. Strengthening Futures.

Building stable, independent futures for Veterans throughout California. Serving Veterans through housing, whole-person support, and trusted community partnerships since 1996.

Donate Today Our Programs

How We Help

Building Stable, Independent Futures for Veterans, Their Families, and Their Pets

Since 1996, Veterans Transition Center of California has empowered Veterans to build stable, independent futures through housing, workforce development, wellness, and whole-person support. We believe every Veteran deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we work alongside each individual to create lasting pathways toward independence, purpose, and community. As one of the few Veteran-serving organizations in the nation that welcomes Veterans, their families, and their pets, we know that rebuilding a life means keeping loved ones together. No one who served our country should have to choose between rebuilding their future and keeping the companions they love.

Housing & Stability

Whole-Person Support

Employment & Workforce Development

Food Pantry & Community Resources

Explore our Programs

A Navy Veteran shares breakfast with his daughter at their kitchen table

A Veteran and his dog on a bench overlooking the Monterey coast

Every Gift Builds a Stronger Future

Every gift creates opportunities for Veterans to build stable, independent futures. Your generosity helps provide housing, workforce development, wellness resources, and the personalized support that empowers Veterans and their families to thrive. For 30 years, our community has stood beside those who served. Together, we've transformed lives across California, and together, we can help even more Veterans build brighter futures.

Donate Today

Thank you for standing with those who served.

Our Impact

What your support makes possible for Veterans and their families across California.

40,000+Veterans served since 1996

59Veterans permanently housed YTD

1,300Veterans, service members, and family members served monthly

15Dogs receiving food & pet care daily

A Veteran's hands around a cup of coffee across the table from a counselor, the American flag behind — Caring for our Veterans

The VTC food pantry stocked with groceries, fresh produce, and pet food — Our food pantry

Volunteers packing fresh produce and pantry staples into boxes — Volunteers & community

Supporters gathered at the Hope for Heroes Gala — Supporters & donors

Whole-Person Care, Every Step Home

All Programs

Every Veteran deserves a safe place to call home. At VTC, housing is more than shelter. It's the foundation for rebuilding stability, creating opportunity, and achieving lasting independence. Our housing programs combine personalized case management with wraparound support to help Veterans move forward with confidence.

Emergency & transitional beds on our Fort Ord campus
Lightfighter Village — 71 permanent supportive homes
A dedicated Case Manager for every Veteran
Veterans, families, and pets are welcome

Lightfighter Village is currently at capacity. Veterans are encouraged to apply to join the housing waitlist.

Learn More About Lightfighter Village

Helping Veterans and their families maintain stability with groceries, pantry staples, and pet food. Available to Veterans in VTC programs, active military members, and VTC alumni because no one who served should have to worry about putting food on the table.

Weekly groceries & pantry staples
Pet food for dogs & cats
Fridays on the VTC Campus

Food Pantry hours: Mon–Thurs 9am–12pm · Friday 9am–3pm — on our Fort Ord campus in Marina.

Stock the pantry from home

A Veteran and volunteer with fresh groceries at the VTC food pantry

Group activities and life-skills sessions that help residents build connection, stability, and the tools for self-sufficiency on their journey home.

Weekly peer-to-peer groups with fellow Veterans
Life-skills workshops — budgeting, wellness & recovery
Community events that rebuild connection

Held on campus for residents and open to program alumni.

Ways to get involved

Every Veteran's journey is different. Our team helps Veterans navigate benefits, access essential services, and connect with opportunities that support long-term stability, independence, and success. Wherever you are on your journey, we're here to help you take the next step.

VA benefits navigation and claims assistance
Employment readiness and career opportunities
Connections to health care, housing, and community resources

Not sure where to start? We'll listen, answer your questions, and help connect you with the right support.

Contact Our Team

Get Involved & Stay Connected

From our podcast to our pantry, there are many ways to support Veterans, their families, and their pets.

VTC has a podcast! Listen here

Real Veterans. Real Stories. Tune in on Podbean.

Last Chance Mercantile

LCM provides revenue for VTC programs, employs Veterans, and diverts waste from the landfill.

Lightfighter Village

This three-story, 71-unit complex features 64 studio apartments and seven two-bedroom family units. LFV is at full occupancy, but you can still apply for the waitlist.