For veterans
This place was built for you.
Every branch, every era. If you served, the lodge, the woods, and the community here are yours at no cost, and this page is the front door. Request a stay, or find help close to home.
If you are in crisis, don’t wait
Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1
Free, confidential, around the clock. You can also text 838255 or chat online. You do not need to be enrolled in VA care.
The stay
A free stay at Paradise Lodge
Three bedrooms, two baths, a stone fireplace, and two porches looking into the trees. Veterans and their families stay free, always. Here is how it works:
Reach out
Send the request below or call us. There is no application packet and no fee, just a conversation.
We talk it through
We will call you back to find dates, confirm service together, and plan for any accessibility needs.
Come breathe easy
The lodge, the woods, and the fire pit are yours. Family is welcome, and your stay is always free.
First floor bedroom · Paradise Lodge
- Service animals are always welcome
- Accessible first floor with full bath
- No smoking indoors
- Quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM
The full house rules, emergency procedures, and property trail map live with our guest documents.
Request a stay
Tell us a little about yourself and we will call to plan the rest. We confirm service together during that conversation, so there is nothing to upload here.
Beyond the retreat
Help close to home
60 services for veterans across Chautauqua County and Western New York, gathered by our team: benefits, healthcare, housing, and the clubs where you will find your people. If you cannot find what you need, call us at (716) 758-1500 or (716) 758-1499 and we will help you look.
Crisis Support
Erie County 24-Hour Crisis Services
Erie County, NY
24-hour hotline for suicide prevention, domestic violence, and mental health emergencies.
Who: Residents of Erie County
Hours: 24/7
NY Project Hope
Statewide (New York)
Free, confidential emotional support for New Yorkers coping with stress, grief, or trauma.
Who: Open to all NY residents
Hours: 24/7
VA Crisis Line
Nationwide
24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and families.
Who: Open to all veterans, service members, and families
Hours: 24/7
988, then press 1
Visit website
Navigation & Referrals
211 WNY – Veterans Resource Line
Western New York (serves Chautauqua County)
24/7 information and referrals to local veteran services (benefits, housing, food, legal).
Who: Open to the public
Hours: 24/7
PA 211 Northwest
Northwestern Pennsylvania
24/7 resource navigation for housing, food, utilities, employment, and veteran services in NW Pennsylvania.
Who: Open to the public
Hours: 24/7
Comprehensive Services
Veterans One-stop Center of WNY (Buffalo)
1255 Niagara St, Suite 230, Buffalo, NY 14213
Nonprofit hub: benefits navigation, housing (SSVF), employment, peer support, legal & financial referrals.
Who: All WNY veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Veteran Benefits
Cattaraugus County Veterans Service Agency
1 Leo Moss Dr, Suite 6510, Olean, NY 14760
Accredited service officers help with claims, benefits, and referrals.
Who: Cattaraugus County veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency – Dunkirk Office
1170 Central Ave, Suite 130, Dunkirk, NY 14048
County benefits assistance at the Dunkirk VA Clinic location.
Who: Chautauqua County veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency – Jamestown
567 Fairmount Ave, Warwick Plaza, Jamestown, NY 14701
County advocates who file claims and connect veterans/families to federal, state, and local benefits.
Who: Chautauqua County veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Erie County (NY) Veterans Service Agency
95 Franklin St, Suite 800, Buffalo, NY 14202
'Thank A Vet' discount program and claims assistance for Erie County residents.
Who: Erie County (NY) veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
New York State Dept. of Veterans' Services – Jamestown (at VA CBOC)
VA CBOC, 321 Hazeltine Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701
State Veterans Benefits Advisors who help with claims, appeals, and counseling.
Who: Eligible NYS veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri (call for hours)
Niagara County Veterans Service Agency
111 Main St, Suite 200, Lockport, NY 14094
County office helping with VA claims, education benefits, burial assistance, and more.
Who: Niagara County veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Warren County (PA) Veterans Affairs Office
204 4th Ave, Warren, PA 16365
County office assisting with VA claims, pensions, burial and survivor benefits.
Who: Warren County veterans and families
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Healthcare
Batavia VA Medical Center (VAMC)
222 Richmond Ave, Batavia, NY 14020
Sister campus to Buffalo VA; offers residential PTSD treatment, primary care, and extended care services.
Who: Eligible veterans (per VA)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Buffalo VA Medical Center (VAMC)
3495 Bailey Ave, Buffalo, NY 14215
Regional VA hospital with comprehensive inpatient/outpatient care, specialty services, and mental health.
Who: Eligible veterans (per VA)
Hours: 24/7 (hospital); clinics vary
Dunkirk VA Clinic (CBOC)
1170 Central Ave, Suite 130, Dunkirk, NY 14048
VA outpatient clinic with primary care, mental health, lab/diagnostic services.
Who: Eligible veterans (per VA)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Erie VA Medical Center (VAMC)
135 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16504
VA medical center with specialty clinics, mental health, and support services.
Who: Eligible veterans (per VA)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (many services)
Jamestown VA Clinic (CBOC)
321 Hazeltine Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701
VA outpatient clinic offering primary care and mental health; referrals to specialty care.
Who: Eligible veterans (per VA)
Hours: Mon–Fri (see site)
Warren County VA Clinic (Erie VA CBOC)
3 Farm Colony Dr, Warren, PA 16365
Community clinic with primary care, behavioral health, labs, nutrition and more.
Who: Eligible veterans (per VA)
Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–4:30 PM
Mental Health
CompeerCORPS (Compeer of Greater Buffalo)
1179 Kenmore Ave, Buffalo, NY 14217
Vet-to-vet peer mentoring, social support, and group activities to reduce isolation.
Who: Veterans seeking peer support
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Erie Vet Center
240 W 11th St, Suite 105, Erie, PA 16501
Confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans, MST survivors, and families.
Who: Eligible veterans, service members, families (per Vet Center)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:30 PM (evening by appt)
Long-Term Care
Soldiers' & Sailors' Home (Bath, NY)
2100 Keuka Hill Rd, Bath, NY 14810
State-run veterans' home providing skilled nursing and residential care.
Who: Eligible veterans per NYS guidelines
Hours: 24/7
Housing
Veterans Leadership Program (Erie Office)
406 W 8th St, Erie, PA 16502
SSVF housing assistance, employment/career services, supportive programs for veterans and families.
Who: Veterans and families (program eligibility applies)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Financial Assistance
Veterans Miracle Center Erie
1570 W 38th St, Erie, PA 16508
Provides clothing, hygiene items, household goods, and supplies free to veterans in need.
Who: All veterans and active-duty military with proof of service
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
WNY Heroes, Inc.
1001 East Delevan Ave, Suite 9, Buffalo, NY 14215
Grants and programs: emergency financial aid (Heroes' Bridge), peer support, service dogs (Pawsitive for Heroes), family support.
Who: Veterans and military families in WNY (program-specific)
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Legal Assistance
Buffalo Veterans Treatment Court
25 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14202
Specialized court offering alternative sentencing and rehabilitation for veterans involved in the justice system.
Who: Veterans with qualifying offenses
Hours: Court schedule varies
Employment
Helmets to Hardhats (NY)
Statewide (New York)
National program connecting veterans with careers in the building and construction trades.
Who: Transitioning service members, veterans, Guard/Reserve
Hours: Online 24/7
Education
SUNY for Veterans (Educational Benefits)
Statewide (SUNY campuses)
SUNY systemwide program offering priority admissions, transfer credits for service, and veteran liaisons at each campus.
Who: Veterans, service members, dependents
Hours: Varies by campus
Troops to Teachers – NY Program
Statewide (NY)
Supports transitioning service members who want to become certified teachers.
Who: Transitioning service members and veterans
Hours: Online 24/7
Transportation
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Erie Chapter 73
135 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16504
Provides free transportation to VA medical appointments and advocacy for veterans.
Who: Veterans needing transport to VA appointments
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
814-868-8661 ext. 22534
Visit website
Community Engagement
Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park – Veterans Programs
1 Naval Park Cove, Buffalo, NY 14202
Hosts veteran recognition events, PTSD awareness programs, and memorial ceremonies.
Who: Open to the public
Hours: Varies by season
Veteran Clubs & Groups
American Legion Auxiliary - New York
New York State
Women's organization supporting The American Legion's mission to serve veterans, military families, and communities.
Who: Female relatives of wartime veterans
Hours: Contact local post
American Legion Barney Smith Post 700
1938 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510
American Legion post in Erie, PA providing veteran services, community programs, and fellowship for wartime veterans.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
American Legion Dunkirk Memorial Post 62
211 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048
American Legion post in Dunkirk, NY serving Chautauqua County veterans with advocacy, community service, and fellowship.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
American Legion East Erie Post 771
260 E 3rd St, Erie, PA 16507
American Legion post serving the East Erie community with veteran services, advocacy, and fellowship.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
American Legion Edinboro Post 439
200 Fairway Drive, Edinboro, PA 16412
American Legion post in Edinboro, PA. Owns and operates the community pool and provides veteran services and community engagement.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
American Legion Elmer C. Carrier Post 365
1460 Sciota Road, Corry, PA 16407
American Legion post in Corry, PA providing veteran advocacy, community programs, and social activities.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Bar and kitchen have separate hours - call for details
American Legion Francis J. Donovan Post 1626
Buffalo, NY
American Legion post in Buffalo, NY providing veteran services, community programs, and fellowship.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
American Legion Fredonia Memorial Post 59
156 E Main St, Fredonia, NY 14063
American Legion post in Fredonia, NY providing veteran services, youth programs, and community engagement.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
American Legion Lakewood Post 1286
174 Chautauqua Avenue, Lakewood, NY 14750
American Legion post in Lakewood, NY near Chautauqua Lake, providing veteran services and community engagement.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
American Legion Post 327 Westfield
7579 Main Road, Westfield, NY 14787
American Legion post in Westfield, NY serving local veterans with community programs and fellowship.
Who: Wartime veterans and their families
Hours: Call for hours
AMVETS Post 72 Buffalo
1881 Clinton St, Buffalo, NY 14206
AMVETS post in Buffalo, NY open to all who honorably served in the U.S. military, including Reserve and Guard.
Who: All who honorably served in U.S. military including Reserve/Guard
Hours: Call for hours
Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency
567 Fairmount Avenue, Warwick Plaza, Jamestown, NY 14701
County agency helping veterans and their families navigate benefits, claims, and local resources.
Who: All veterans and their families in Chautauqua County
Hours: Business hours
DAV Robert Johns Erie County Chapter 73
Meets at VFW Post 470, 1808 W 26th St, Erie, PA 16508
Disabled American Veterans chapter serving Erie County. Provides advocacy, benefits assistance, and support for disabled veterans.
Who: Veterans with service-connected disabilities
Hours: Monthly meetings - check schedule
Disabled American Veterans - Buffalo Regional Office
Buffalo VA Regional Office, Buffalo, NY
DAV provides free assistance with VA claims, medical transportation, and advocacy for disabled veterans in Western NY.
Who: Veterans with service-connected disabilities
Hours: VA business hours
Erie County Veterans Service Organizations
Erie County, NY
Comprehensive directory of veteran organizations throughout Erie County, NY including American Legion, VFW, and AMVETS posts.
Who: All veterans
Hours: See individual post listings
ILS Veteran's Club
364 Fluvanna Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701
Community hub providing support and resources for veterans in the Jamestown area.
Who: Veterans
Hours: Call for hours
Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program - Chautauqua County
Chautauqua County, NY
100% confidential and FREE peer support program for the military community. Provides non-clinical support and advocacy.
Who: Veterans, service members, and military families
Hours: Contact for availability
Lake Chautauqua VFW Post 8647
10 Memorial Dr, Mayville, NY 14757
VFW post in Mayville, NY on Chautauqua Lake. Open to the public on select days with Fish Fry Fridays.
Who: Veterans who served overseas in a conflict zone
Hours: Open M/W/F to the public
Marine Corps League - Department of New York
New York State
Congressionally chartered organization supporting Marines and their families. Contact for local detachment information in Western NY.
Who: Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen who served honorably
Hours: Contact for local meeting times
Marine Corps League - Department of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
Congressionally chartered Marine Corps veterans organization with detachments throughout Pennsylvania including Erie area.
Who: Marines and FMF Navy Corpsmen who served honorably
Hours: Contact for local meeting times
Sons of the American Legion - Department of New York
New York State
Male descendants of wartime veterans supporting The American Legion's programs for veterans, military families, and youth.
Who: Male descendants of wartime veterans
Hours: Contact local post
VFW Auxiliary - New York
New York State
Auxiliary organization supporting VFW posts and their mission to serve veterans and communities.
Who: Family members of VFW-eligible veterans
Hours: Contact local post
VFW Billy Simpson Post 470
1808 W 26th St, Erie, PA 16508
Veterans of Foreign Wars post serving Erie County, PA. All-American Post providing camaraderie, advocacy, and community service for veterans of overseas conflicts.
Who: Veterans who served overseas in a conflict zone
Hours: Call for hours
VFW John W. Tiffany Post 53
2501 Busti-Stillwater Rd, Jamestown, NY 14701
Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Jamestown, NY serving Chautauqua County veterans with advocacy and camaraderie.
Who: Veterans who served overseas in a conflict zone
Hours: 3rd Saturday at 11:00 AM for meetings
VFW Post Bemus Point
4498 Dutch Hollow Rd, Bemus Point, NY
VFW post located in the Bemus Point area of Chautauqua County, NY.
Who: Veterans who served overseas in a conflict zone
Hours: Call for hours
VFW Post Dunkirk
113 Deer St, Dunkirk, NY 14048
Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Dunkirk, NY serving local veterans with advocacy, events, and fellowship.
Who: Veterans who served overseas in a conflict zone
Hours: Call for hours
VFW Post Sheridan
2556 Main Rd, Sheridan, NY
VFW post in Sheridan, NY serving the northern Chautauqua County veteran community.
Who: Veterans who served overseas in a conflict zone
Hours: Call for hours
War Veterans Recreation Inc
Jamestown, NY
Veterans social club in Jamestown, NY providing recreation, camaraderie, and support for local veterans.
Who: Veterans
Hours: Check Facebook for events
WNY Freedom Lounge
Buffalo, NY area
Veteran community space in Western NY providing a welcoming environment for veterans to connect and find support.
Who: Veterans
Hours: Call for hours
Not sure where to start?
Call us. A veteran picks up.
Whether you want a quiet weekend, a hand with benefits, or just somewhere to point yourself next, start with (716) 758-1500 or (716) 758-1499.