San Juan County Veterans Assistance Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at San Juan County.

The San Juan County Veterans Assistance Fund provides emergency services to indigent veterans, their dependents, widows, widowers, and/or orphans. The Veterans Advisory Board provides timely service to eligible individuals when assistance from other agencies is considered inappropriate or time requirements are constrained. The intent of the SJC VAF is not to replace assistance from any other agency, and assistance is granted on a “case by case” basis only. Eligible individuals may receive assistance for the following:

• Food 
• Rent or Mortgage Payments 
• Utilities 
• Medical and Dental 
• Burial or Cremation

The VAB may also make referrals to other agencies; interview applicants in person or by telephone; provide basic counseling or job counseling; act as a liaison with landlords, utility companies, etc; establishing and maintaining a good rapport with vendors who accept vouchers from the VAF; cooperate with federal, state, county, and city officials in regards to veterans assistance to assure proper operation of the VAF as established by the VAB and SJC government.

To apply for assistance, print out and fill out the Veterans' Assistance Form, and then Send completed form with supporting documents to your local VAB representative; or mail to County Council, 350 Court St. Friday Harbor; WA 98250, or email to veterans@sanjuanco.com.

For More help and information, see their web pages.

Lewis County Veterans' Relief Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Lewis County.

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The Lewis County Veterans' Relief Fund helps veterans and Veterans' spouses with a limited contribution towards:

• Funeral expenses 
• Utilities 
• Rent.

Eligibility:

• Honorable Discharge
• Income Eligibility:
• 1 Member Household = less than $1,354 per month or $16,245 per year. 
• 2 Member Household = less than $1,821 per month or $21,855 per year. 
• 3 Member Household = less than $2,289 per month or $27,465 per year. 
• 4 Member Household = less than $2,756 per month or $33,075 per year. 
• 5 Member Household = less than $3,224 per month or $38,685 per year.
• Applications will be accepted by appointment only. 
• All applications are reviewed and determination is made on a case by case basis. 

To Apply:

• Complete this application
• Gather documentation: 
• DD214 (honorable discharges only) 
• Washington State Driver's License or Picture ID 
• Proof of Washington residence for one year 
• Spouse's ID or Marriage Certificate Birth certificate for all dependents 
• Proof of income (check stub or bank statement) OR Lack of income (if you have no income you will need to prove it, example: income tax return/bank statement). 
• Utilities or funeral expenses: Original bill to be paid for 
• Rent : Must have a W-9 (provided by the County upon request) and a copy of the rental agreement, signed by the landlord. A relative of the veteran does not qualify as a bona fide landlord. 
• Call the Veterans' Benefits Specialist, 360-740-1417, to schedule an appointment to submit your application. 

More Information:

• Call 360-740-1417, 360-740-1223 or 1-800-562-6130
• See http://lewiscountywa.gov/veterans-services

Skagit County Veterans Assistance Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Skagit County.

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In Skagit County Veterans Assistance Program provides assistance for emergency needs, referrals, and advocacy to low-income veterans, their dependents, widows, widowers, and orphans. Its goal is to assist you through a temporary financial hardship.

Help is available with food, gas, rent, utilities, medication, clothing, and in other appropriate areas. Because of limited program funding, the program focuses its efforts on providing help when there are no other resources available. Each year, Veterans Assistance helps about 200 veteran households.
 
Eligibility: 
The Veteran must

• Have honorably served on active duty for more than 180 days for other than training purposes Have resided in Washington State for the last 12 consecutive months 
• Be indigent - the gross income of the veteran and all household members must be below 150% of the Federal Poverty level guidelines.

Required Documentation: 

• DD 214 Discharge Certificate 
• Washington State Identification or Driver's License 
• Dependent's: Marriage license and birth certificates for each child 
• Income: Award letters from VA, DSHS, Social Security, Employment or Unemployment stubs
• Lease agreement or Mortgage statement 
• Current Utility Bill.

Contact:
330 Pacific Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone: (360) 416-7585
Fax: (360) 416-7599
Website: www.communityactionskagit.org
E-mail: info@communityactionskagit.org
For more information, see http://www.communityactionskagit.org/District/Department/13-Veterans-Assistance

Clallam County Veterans Relief Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Clallam County.

The Clallam County Veterans Relief Program provides limited emergency assistance to eligible veterans and their dependents.
Who is served: 

• Applicants must meet income criteria, residency requirements, and employment of employability restrictions as dictated by Clallam County policy 950 in addition to the following: 
• Veteran, Widow, Widower, Domestic Partner or Dependent of Veteran 
• The Veteran must have honorably served on active duty for more than 180 days, for other than training purposes.
• Must have completed first enlistment or be medically discharged under honorable conditions.
• The Veteran must have resided in Washington State for the last 12 months and currently reside in Clallam County. 
• The gross income of the veteran and all household members must be below 150 percent of the poverty guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Types of help:

• Food 
• Rent/Housing 
• Utilities 
• Medical/Prescriptions 
• Referral to other social services.

Are you in a different county? See the county-by-county map of veterans services.

Mason County Veterans' Assistance Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Mason County.

Mason County's Veterans' Assistance Fund helps eligible indigent and suffering veterans or family members with certain expenses. The Veterans' Advisory Board oversees the Fund. 
Eligibility: 

• Honorably discharged veteran or eligible family member of a veteran who meets the definition of veteran as defined by law. 
• "Indigent and suffering": under the current poverty level as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• Resident of the Mason County for at least ninety (90) days. 
• Applicant must present proof of residency and income. 

How to Apply: 

• Telephone a Veterans' Service Officer to schedule an eligibility appointment and find out what documents to bring.
• Shelton: Memorial Hall, 210 West Franklin Street. Phone: 360-426-4546 Business hours are Monday - Wednesday 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM or by appointment.
• Belfair: North Mason County Resource, 140 NE SR 300. Phone: 360-552-2302. Business hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; On Wednesdays, the office is open until 6:30 p.m. 

Funding: 

• Disbursed to indigent veterans and their families or the families of those deceased not to exceed $800 per applicant per calendar year, not to exceed two years, unless the indigent veteran qualifies for additional funds. 
• After one year of waiting, the veteran may reapply for further assistance with proof of eligibility. (Exceptions: burial and catastrophic expenses) 
• Assistance shall be granted only for the following: 
• Past Due Rent or Mortgage 
• Past Due Utilities; electric, water or Natural Gas 
• Needed Food Items 
• Needed Fire Wood or Propane. 

See Also:  Veterans' Case Management Contract for Mental Health and Chemical Dependency 
Mason County Sales and Use Tax for Mental Health and Substance Abuse services funds a contract with Mental Health Professionals, LLC. The Veterans' Case Manager is Leon Huggins-Richard who works with veterans and their family members/dependents who are experiencing difficulties. Leon works to assist the veteran with family stability, well-being, education/training, financial management, and employment/career management issues. This service is free to eligible clients. Please call (360) 451-0900 to set up an appointment with Leon.Are you in a different county? See the county-by-county map of veterans services.

County Programs

Most counties in Washington State have programs in support of veterans.

• King
• Kitsap
• Mason
• Pierce
• Snohomish
• Spokane
• Thurston
• Whatcom
• Yakima

Mason County's Veterans' Assistance Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Whatcom County.

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Mason County's  Veterans' Assistance Fund helps eligible indigent and suffering veterans or family members with certain expenses, overseen by the Veterans' Advisory Board.
Eligibility:

• Honorably discharged veteran or eligible family member of a veteran who meets the definition of veteran as defined by law.
• The county defines "indigent and suffering" to mean the current poverty level as defined by the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
• Applicants must be a resident of the Mason County for at least ninety (90) days.
• Applicant must present proof of residency and income.

How to Apply: 
Telephone a Veterans' Service Officer to schedule an eligibility appointment and find out what documents to bring to the appointment. There are two Veterans' Service Offices:

• In Shelton
  Memorial Hall
  210 West Franklin Street
  Phone: 360-426-4546
   Business hours are Monday - Wednesday 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM or by appointment.
• In Belfair
  North Mason County Resource
  140 NE SR 300.
  Phone: 360-552-2302.
  Business hours are Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; On Wednesdays, the office is open until 6:30 p.m.

For more information, see http://www.co.mason.wa.us/ac/veterans/index.php

Whatcom County Veterans Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Whatcom County.

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The Whatcom County Veterans Program offer temporary financial assistance when appropriate, and connection to other services. The Program is a point of entry to local, state and federal benefits and services.
Location and hours: 
Veterans Program Office
509 Girard Street, Lower Level
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 715-7453
Appointments are preferred, however walk in hours are available 9:00 am - Noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm - Monday through Friday.

Services:

• Temporary Financial Assistance 
• Housing Assistance 
• Burial Assistance 
• Health Services 
• Compensation & Pension 
• Social Service Programs 
• Legal Assistance 
• Employment Assistance 
• Transportation.

The Program also list a dozen additional  Community Resources  at its webpage.

Finally, programs like these need Veterans to serve on their Veterans Assistance Board: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/boards/veterans_advisory_brd.jsp. Why not join the effort to help you fellow veterans?

Yakima County Veterans Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Yakima County.

Yakima County Veterans Program has a long tradition of helping veterans and their families. It has three main programs:

The Veteran’s Relief Fund  assists qualified indigent Veterans and their family with temporary emergency assistance for:

• Food 
• Utilities 
• Transportation 
• Rental assistance 
• Eviction prevention 
• Burial expenses 

The fund is not an entitlement and is used in conjunction with other available resources in the community. Participants must have:

• Veteran verification 
• Yakima County residency 
• Low income status 
• Emergent need.

The Yakima County Veterans Incarcerated Program helps incarcerated Veterans in the Yakima County Department of Corrections facilities and other municipal jails within the county reduce recidivism and successfully reintegrate into the community. Services that may be provided:

• Case management 
• Reentry planning 
• Legal advocacy 
• Essential needs 
• Medical treatment 
• Mental health treatment 
• Chemical addiction treatment 
• Veteran administration benefits 
• Housing 
• Employment and other identifiable needs 

Homeless Outreach and Services seeks to end to homelessness among Veterans in our county,  and also works to prevent homelessness as well as advocate for affordable housing for Veterans and their families

For More help and information, see their web page.

There is also a nongovernmental Yakima County Veterans Coalition, which is not formally related but worth checking out.

Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Funds

Most Counties in Washington State have their a program for supporting veterans. This week we look at Kitsap County.

Kitsap Community Resources provides direct emergency assistance to qualified veterans. Funds are provided with Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Funds.
Temporary emergency assistance is available for: 

• Rent/mortgage assistance 
• Energy assistance 
• Assistance for food, transportation, medical and prescription costs, burial costs, and other approved needs 

Eligibility: Participants must:

• Income eligibility rules apply. 
• Have resided in Washington State for 12 consecutive months and in Kitsap County at the time of application. 
• Have served 120 days active duty and have an honorable discharge
• Sign up through local VFW or American Legion posts (see list here). 
• Bremerton/Silverdale VFW Post 239
  190 S. Dora Avenue
  360-377-6739 
• American Legion Post 68
  1240 Sheridan Road
  360-373-0233 
• Port Orchard VFW Post 2669
  736 Bay Street
  360-876-2669 
• Poulsbo American Legion Post 245
   (at theNational Guard Armory)
  19133 Jensen Way
  360-779-5456 
• Kitsap Community Resources
  845 8th Street
  Bremerton, WA 98337
  360.478.2301

More Information: 

• Kitsap County Veterans Assistance Program 
• Kitsap County Application Process (PDF)

For More help and information, see their web page.

Pierce County Veterans Bureau

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Pierce County.

The Pierce County Veterans Bureau provides emergency assistance with food, rent and utilities to qualified indigent veterans and family members. Limited assistance with medical and other miscellaneous services is also available on a emergency need basis. The Pierce County Veterans Bureau also offers the Incarcerated Veterans Reintegration program.
When: 
Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m.  - 12:00 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where:
925 Tacoma Ave S, Ste B
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone (253)798-7449
Toll Free (800)992-2456
For More help and information, see their web page.

Spokane County Veteran Services

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Spokane County.

Spokane County Veteran Services Veteran Services provides counseling and emergency financial aid to honorably discharged indigent veterans and their families for rent, utilities, food, gas, and limited prescription assistance.
When:
Monday through Friday
8am - 11:45am and 12:45pm - 4 pm
Note: New Clients are 8am-10am. If you are new to the agency, it is a very very good idea to call first: (509) 477-3690. You'll want to talk over the Eligibility Requirements too.
Where:
Veteran Services
1101 West College Ave
Spokane Regional Health District, Suite 401
Spokane, WA 99201

Phone: (509) 477-3690
Fax: (509) 477-2299

For More help and information, see their web page.

Snohomish County Veterans’ Assistance Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Snohomish County.

The Snohomish County Veterans’ Assistance Program provides limited emergency assistance to eligible veterans and dependents in Snohomish County. Some of the attributes and provisions of the program include:

• Provides emergency financial assistance for honorably discharged veterans, veterans' widows, and qualified dependents 
• Arranges for mental health and alcohol / drug assessment and treatment at a VA Medical Center 
• Provides outreach to veterans at home and in jail 
• Helps veterans in filing for VA benefits.

To Apply: 
The Program suggests you visit their office:
Snohomish County Campus Drewel Building
(Administration Building East)
3000 Rockefeller Ave. Lower Level
Everett, WA 98201
Or calling 425-388-7255
Please note Hours 
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
If you come by 11-1 and the door is closed, don't be discouraged - just come back at 1.

For More help and information:
See the Snohomish County Network Of Care program.

Thurston County Veterans’ Assistance Fund

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at Thurston County.

The Thurston County Veterans’ Assistance Fund helps eligible veterans or family members with rent, mortgage, power, water, garbage, food, bus passes and burial.
Eligibility:

• Honorably discharged veteran or eligible family member of a veteran who meets the definition of veteran as defined by law. 
• Resident of Washington State for at least six months immediately prior to application. 
• Resident of Thurston County for at least 31 days immediately prior to application. 
•  Income eligible. 
• Able to provide documentation proving eligibility including verification of need. 

To Apply: 
See directions at Thurston County Veterans’ Assistance Fund.

Print This Brochure

King County Veterans Program

Most Counties in Washington State have their own programs for supporting veterans. This week we look at King County.

The King County Veterans Program serves low-income, homeless, disabled, and at-risk veterans and their families. For an appointment, call (206) 296-7656.

• Who is served: Veterans, current service members, National Guard members, Reserve members, and dependents of these military personnel may be eligible for services. 
• Limits: Length of service standards, Income guidelines, etc
• Services: 
• Emergency financial assistance 
• Housing assistance 
• Employment guidance and assistance 
• Case management 
• Life stability 
• Veterans' benefits counseling 
• Mental health referrals 
• Other supportive services
• Where/When: Ten offices throughout King County.
• Seattle: 2124 - 4th Avenue, 4th Floor
  Co-located with Public Health-Seattle & King County
  206-296-7656.
  Walk-In Hours: 8:30 to 11:30, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; Tuesday's walk-in hours are 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
• Renton: 500 SW Seventh Street, Suite 100
  206-477-7022
  Walk-In Hours: 8:30 to 11:30, Monday through Thursday.
• Other Sites Click Here.

This program is funded by King County residents through a special levy. Learn more about the program from its printable brochure and its web page. Are you in a different county? See the county-by-county map of veterans services.