Morning light over the historic barracks of the Fort Ord campus, an American flag flying

News & Updates

VTC newsletters, updates from our Fort Ord campus, and stories about our work from across the web.

The latest from VTC

The carved 'Veterans First' sign at the VTC campus: a gold eagle over a stars-and-stripes shield

How to Tell a Good Veterans Charity From a Bad One: Six Checks

October 6, 2026Giving Intelligence

How to evaluate a charity, in six checks: confirm its IRS status and state registration, then read Part III of its Form 990. The overhead ratio comes last.

One person handing a set of house keys to another on the doorstep of a warmly lit home

HUD-VASH, Explained Without the Acronyms

September 29, 2026The Housing Path

How does HUD-VASH work? HUD pays part of the rent and VA provides the case manager. VA decides who qualifies and refers you, so there is no waiting list.

A Veteran holds a salute during an outdoor ceremony at Lightfighter Village, fellow attendees saluting behind him

Veterans Day on the Monterey Peninsula: Where to Be, and When

September 22, 2026Close to Home

Veterans Day events in Monterey, CA start at 11 a.m. on November 11: the Seaside Veterans cemetery, Devendorf Park in Carmel, Legion halls, Salinas.

A VTC case manager walking a Veteran through paperwork at a desk

How to Apply for VA Benefits: The Five Steps, in Order

September 15, 2026Benefits, Plainly

How to apply for VA benefits in five steps. Filing an intent to file first sets the start date for your benefits and gives you a year to finish.

An open veteran resource guide, a mug of coffee, reading glasses, and a folded American flag on a sunlit wooden table

Every Veteran Service in Monterey County, in One Place

September 8, 2026Close to Home

Veteran resources in Monterey County, by need: the county office at (831) 647-7613 for VA claims, the Marina VA clinic, VTC for housing and food, 211.

A cozy, lived-in apartment living room with a couch, houseplants, and warm afternoon light

What Transitional Housing for Veterans Actually Is, and Who It’s For

September 1, 2026The Housing Path

Transitional housing for Veterans is time-limited housing with a case manager, capped at 24 months. Who qualifies, what it costs, and how a stay begins.