24/7 Central Referral Service for WNY Veterans & Military Families

WNYVets is an online referral service that connects WNY Veterans and military families to a range of diverse local resources through this dedicated website.

When needed, immediate help is available through proven 24/7 resources, both local and national:

Veterans Crisis Line

1-800-273-8255

Crisis Services

(716) 834-3131

211 WNY

1-888-696-9211

WHO WE ARE

WNYVets is led by an advisory team of local experts on the needs of WNY Veterans & Military Families, including the VA Medical Center, government partners, community resource specialists and Veterans active in the community.

Funding is provided by the Buffalo Blues/Blues4Vets non-profit music campaign, recognized by the US Congress in 2021 for its research and fundraising efforts.

Supporters and sponsors are invited to get involved.

Honorable Byron W. Brown
We owe our Veterans a debt that is impossible to repay, but in Buffalo, we continue to strive each day to give back and ensure that our Veterans are receiving the benefits and support they and their families may need. I thank the Buffalo Blues4Vets Charity, which is supported by hundreds of local musicians, for its continued dedication to our veterans. It makes me proud to know that our partnership since 2016 has raised over $250 ,000 for 31 impactful veterans’ organizations. The new WNYVETS referral service will help further connect Buffalo Veterans and Military Families to the services they need for long-term health and success.
Honorable Byron W. Brown
Mayor, City of Buffalo
Mark C. Poloncarz
Our veterans’ community deserves all of our support and WNY Vets will help them find those supports and services they need all in one spot. The need never goes away, so I thank Bob James and the WNYVETS leadership team for helping the men and women who’ve served our great nation find the information and connections they need.
Mark C. Poloncarz
Erie County Executive
Jim Wartski
As someone deeply committed to supporting our veterans and military families, I applaud the launch of WNYVETS in Western New York. This new 24/7 referral service, funded by the Buffalo 'Blues4Vets' music charity, will connect our heroes with vital services they need. With WNYVETS and their leadership, veterans will gain access to tailored support in areas like mental health, employment, housing, and more. WNYVETS has the potential to exceed expectations and positively impact the lives of our veterans. Let us unite, forge new partnerships, and ensure that every veteran receives the assistance they deserve. Our heroes deserve nothing less.
Jim Wartski, Executive Director
Veteran, Family and Community Engagement; Veterans Experience Office. February 19, 2024

News & Events

What’s Next? Meeting the Needs of East Side Veterans

What’s Next? Meeting the Needs of East Side Veterans

Bob James, team leader for WNY Vets, and former service members Edwin Gadson and Marlene Roll join Jay Moran to discuss the findings of the East Buffalo Veterans Study, a years-long campaign designed to highlight the needs of Buffalo veterans who may not know about the services available to them, or how to find them.

read more