Emergency Assistance

Victim Assistance Emergency Assistance

For immediate emergency assistance, please contact a victim advocate at the 24/7 Sexual Assault Prevention and Response crisis line by calling 860-625-9387.

Emergency Assistance: If you need emergency assistance, you can expect to get help from your installation or your service branch resources. There are programs to support you in a variety of situations, including victim assistance, emergencies in route and service-specific relief societies. Below, you’ll find types of assistance, contact information, and detailed procedures and guidance to help you through any tough circumstances that you or your family may face.

On-base resources Emergency and Crisis Contacts

• Immediate Danger / Crime in Progress: Call 911 or military law enforcement.
• SAPR Office Main Line: 860-694-2791 (Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• SAPR Victim Advocate 24/7: 860-625-9387
• Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC): 860-694-3383 (Business hours, Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or 24/7 after-hours line at 860-694-4847.
• DoD Safe Helpline (Anonymous 24/7): 877-995-5247
• . You can also get help by: Texting your ZIP code or installation name to 55-247.
• Using the secure instant messaging platform at SafeHelpline.org.
• Military Crisis Line: Dial 988, then Press 1 
• Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut: 860-456-2789. This 24/7 hotline provides confidential support to both military and civilian survivors.
• Connecticut statewide hotline: 888-999-5545. This toll-free number automatically routes your call to the nearest sexual assault crisis center.
•  National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673.

Base Location and Services

• Address: Victim Advocate Services / FFSC is located at 83 Grayling Avenue, Groton, CT 06349. 
• Local Community Partners:
  • Safe Futures (Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault 24/7): 860-701-6000
  • Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Eastern Connecticut: 860-456-2789

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross serves New London County through its Connecticut region headquarters and various local service points. While the former office at 150 Eugene O'Neill Drive in New London is reported as permanently closed, residents can access services through several nearby locations and specialized programs located at 1031 Route 32, Uncasville, CT 06382 in Montville. Community blood drives: Recurring drives are held at the New London Red Cross Community Blood Drive, 365 Montauk Avenue, typically on the second and third Fridays of the month from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Blood donations can be scheduled via 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Key Details

• Main location: 1031 Norwich New London Turnpike (Route 32), Montville, CT 06382
• Blood donation site: 365 Montauk Ave, New London, CT 06320; second and third Fridays of the month, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Services: Disaster response, volunteer opportunities, and emergency assistance.
• Contact: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Service Contacts:

• Blood services: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
• Disaster assistance: 855-891-7325 (24-hour line)
• General inquiries: 1-877-287-3327

If you are looking to schedule a blood donation or sign up for a certification class like CPR.

No matter how well you've planned, emergencies can still happen. During an emergency while traveling, call your sponsor and your new command to let them know your situation and location. Keep all the new telephone numbers with you to do this. Depending on how serious the emergency is, you can contact the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337. They are always ready to provide emergency aid anywhere you may be. Reach out to the nearest chapter. Phone numbers are usually listed in the white pages of the local phone directory. They may assist with emergency financial help and contact people who need to know where you are and what's happening. Call your immediate family to inform them of the situation. Prepare before leaving by ensuring your vehicle is in good working order. Have an emergency first aid kit on hand for minor injuries—plan for the unexpected.

ARC Phone number listings:

• Shared Services: 888-316-4695
• Emergency Communications Center: 877-272-7337
• Training and certification issues: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767), prompt “Training & Certification”
• Employment verification: 800 367-5690, provide code: 20022
• Employment Department of Transportation verifications: Secure eFax 224-649-8217
• DOT Compliance: Email

Contact the American Red Cross main number: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

• Link: https://www.redcross.org/military-families.html

The American Red Cross Emergency Communications Center is an overall resource for veterans and their families, providing emergency leave or emergency financial assistance in extraordinary or extenuating circumstances. They are available to help seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To speak to a Red Cross emergency communications specialist, call toll-free 877-272-7337 or contact your local Red Cross. If your family needs emergency assistance, you can also submit a request online.

Download the free Hero Care app. The Hero Care app is available to download for free by texting "GETHEROCARE" to 90999. Access vital emergency and non-emergency resources for service members, veterans and military families.

The Salvation Army is the single largest provider of social services of its kind within the United States. Their activities encompass preventative, support and rehabilitative services. They work to provide physical, emotional and spiritual needs for families and individuals. The range of programs offered includes after-school, social clubs and parenting classes as well as drug and alcohol rehabilitation and disaster response. The local Salvation Army chapter can be reached at 860-443-6409.

Mission Statement: "The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."

Salvation Army New London Corps Community Center: This location is the main point of contact for services in the area.

• Address: 11 Governor Winthrop Boulevard, New London, CT 06320, Phone: 860-443-6409
• Hours: 
  • Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Friday: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 
  • Weekends: Closed
  • Note: closes at lunch from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

The New London Corps helps those in need, with services that include:

1. Emergency assistance: Aid for urgent situations.
2. Food pantry: Provides affordable, nutritious food to low-income individuals and families. Call ahead to confirm the hours for this program.
3. Homeless services: Offers support for individuals experiencing homelessness, including a weekday breakfast program that runs from 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
4. Disaster relief: The Salvation Army of New London operates a mobile canteen to assist in disaster response.
5. Youth programs: Character- and skill-building programs are available for local children.
6. Holiday programs: Services are offered during the holiday season, such as distributing toys.
7. Worship services: Religious services are held on Sunday.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society can provide financial emergency assistance based upon need, through either interest-free loans or grants when there is a particular hardship. Categories of financial assistance include: basic living expenses (food, shelter, utilities), medical not covered by TRICARE, dental not covered by Concordia, funeral expenses, emergency transportation, essential car repairs, pay and allotment problems, disasters and assistance for widows, mothers and children.

NOTE: Navy Marine Relief Society has moved to a new location, Building 83, Room 108, and they can be reached at 860-694-3285.

Naval Submarine Base Building 83, Room 108, Groton, CT 06349-5025, Phone: 860-694-3285, DSN: 694-4550, Fax: 860-694-2620, DSN Fax: 694-2620, email: Groton@nmcrs.org.

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society provides interest-free loans and or grants to active-duty sailors, Marines, military retirees and eligible family members. Loans are designed to have the client in and out of the office within 15 minutes.

• Quick Assist Loan, or QAL: Launched in 2008 to offer an alternative to predatory lenders for active-duty service members who have a one-time, emergency financial need.
• Basic Living Expenses, or BLE, loan: Loan assistance can be provided for rent, mortgage, groceries, utilities, day care expenses, home repairs, homeowners' insurance and deductible, temporary lodging, and furniture
• Car repairs and related expenses loans: Loans can be provided for vehicle repairs, car payments, car insurance and deductibles, registration fees, repossession fees, impound fees and other vehicle-related expenses
• Emergency leave due to death or illness: Loans can be provided for family medical, dental illnesses and funeral expenses. Loans can also be provided for disaster assistance due to hurricanes, flooding, etc.

Note that this type of loan is not intended for clients who have long-term financial problems or issues.

Army Emergency Relief

Note that this type of loan is not intended for clients who have long-term financial problems or issues.

Financial Emergencies Army Emergency Relief

What AER Covers

• Approved needs: Rent, mortgage, utilities, emergency travel, food, medical co-pays not covered by TRICARE, and vehicle repairs
• Excluded needs: Nonessentials, legal expenses, fines, vacation and credit card debt consolidation

How to Apply

• Online: Submit a request anytime using the AER Portal or via the Army Emergency Relief Assistance Page.
  • https://aerprod.powerappsportals.us/
  • https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/assistance/
• In Person: Visit your nearest AER office or Army installation. If you live more than 50 miles from an installation, you can apply online or use reciprocal aid societies like the American Red Cross.
• Fast Track: Use the Commander's Referral Program for quick approval of no-interest loans up to $2,000.

Air & Space Forces Aid Society

AFAS provides Air Force no interest loans, grants as emergency assistance to Airmen and Air Force families when unexpected financial emergencies arise. To get emergency financial assistance from the Air & Space Forces Aid Society, you can apply directly online through the AFAS Portal or call their Emergency Assistance department at 703-972-2604 (or toll-free at 877-246-7650, Option #1).

Contact & Application Details

• Online Portal: Apply directly at the AFAS Application Portal.
• Phone Support: Call a financial assistance caseworker at 703-972-2604 or main office at 703-972-2650.
• Email: Reach out via ea@afas.org or afas@afas-hq.org
• In-Person: Visit the Air Force Aid office inside your base's Military & Family Readiness Center.
• Emergency Travel (American Red Cross): Call 1-877-272-7337 if an immediate family emergency requires urgent travel.

What You Need to Apply

• Military ID: Front and back copy.
• Earnings Statement: End-of-month Leave and Earnings Statement (LES).
• Bills/Invoices: Specific documentation or bills for the exact amount requested.

Available Emergency Aid

When you apply, the system will evaluate your needs for either program:

• Falcon Assistance: Falcon Assistance is no longer a separate process. All financial assistance requests will Offer fast, expedited approval for urgent, smaller needs up to $1,500. https://afas.org/air-force-emergency-financial-assistance/
• Standard Assistance: Provides larger interest-free loans or grants based on your budget and individual emergency needs. https://afas.org/how-we-help/standard-assistance/

No matter how carefully you plan, emergencies can still happen. During travel emergencies, contact your sponsor and your new command to notify them of the situation. Keep all relevant phone numbers accessible for this purpose. Depending on how serious the emergency is, you can also call the American Red Cross at 877-272-7337 for help, no matter where you are. You can find the contact information for the nearest chapter at www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html. They may provide emergency financial assistance and can notify people who need to know your status. Additionally, contact your immediate family to inform them of the situation. Before leaving, ensure your vehicle is in good working order and carry an emergency first-aid kit for minor injuries.

1. Medical Emergencies

   If you or a family member experiences a medical emergency while traveling:

   • Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You do not need prior authorization for true emergencies.
   • Contact TRICARE. As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours—notify TRICARE to ensure your medical claims are processed correctly. Your regional contractor changes depending on where you are driving.
   • Keep all paperwork. Collect every medical receipt, discharge summary, and bill from the civilian facility to present to your gaining medical group.

2. Vehicle Breakdowns & Roadside Crises

   Driving across the country exposes you to roadside risks, mechanical failures, or severe weather. 

   • Utilize Roadside Assistance. Keep the number for your vehicle insurance roadside assistance or a secondary service like AAA readily available.
   • Deploy an Emergency Kit. Keep a physical kit in your passenger cabin (not buried under boxes in the trunk) containing jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, flares, and extra water.
   • Monitor Weather Alerts. Track your route using local radio, apps, or the Department of Transportation (DOT) site for each state you cross.

3. Financial Emergencies

   If you run out of funds due to unexpected travel delays, vehicle repairs, or lodging shortages:

   • Contact your branch aid society. Call Army Emergency Relief, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or the Air & Space Forces Aid Society. They can issue emergency travel grants or zero-interest loans.
     • Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society – Building 83, Room 108: 860-694-3285
     • Army Emergency Relief Office – 866-878-6378; https://www.armyemergencyrelief.org/assistance/
     • Air & Space Forces Aid Society – https://portal.afas.org/SignIn
   • Use your Government Travel Charge Card. Your GTCC is authorized for official travel expenses during a PCS. Ensure your losing command has placed it in a "Mission Critical" or travel status before you depart.
   • Find financial assistance with the Red Cross. If you are far from a military base, the American Red Cross Hero Care Center can coordinate emergency financial aid in partnership with military aid societies.
     • American Red Cross – phone: 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767); https://www.redcross.org/military-families.html

4. Administrative & Personnel Emergencies

   If severe delays (like a natural disaster, major accident, or family crisis) alter your reporting timeline:

   • Call your Gaining Command. Contact your sponsor, the duty officer or the commander’s hotline at your destination immediately to report your status.
   • Call your Losing Command. If you cannot reach your new unit, contact your previous command or orderly room; they still bear administrative responsibility for you until you sign in at your new base.
   • Request a Leave Extension / Order Amendment. If you cannot report on time due to an emergency, your gaining unit must officially authorize an extension of your report date to prevent you from going into an “Absent Without Leave” status.

The Ultimate PCS Safety Rule

Never pack your PCS Binder in the moving truck. Always hand-carry physical copies of your official orders, military IDs, vehicle insurance, medical records and birth certificates in the front seat of your car. Back these up digitally on a secure cloud network before you drive away.

Phone number listings:

• American Red Cross Shared Services: 888-316-4695
• American Red Cross Emergency Communications Center: 877-272-7337
  • Training and certification issues: 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), prompt “Training & Certification”
• Email: DOTComplianceCenter@redcross.org
• Contacts and Safety: https://cnrma.cnic.navy.mil/Installations/SUBASE-New-London/About/Installation-guide/Phone-Directory/