Read more about the article Veterans Assistance Commission denials soar as demand increases and donations drop
File photo. The hands of veterans as they wait outside the meeting room for the Veteran's Assistance program on the first Monday of the month at Brookens Champaign County Building on Monday, November 3, 2014. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access

Veterans Assistance Commission denials soar as demand increases and donations drop

The commission has assisted 432 veterans through November this year, but it has had to turn away many requests because donations that supplement the county money were down, said Brad Gould, the commission’s superintendent.

Continue ReadingVeterans Assistance Commission denials soar as demand increases and donations drop
Read more about the article Veterans Assistance Commission can’t meet demand for help
File photo. The hands of veterans as they wait outside the meeting room for the Veteran's Assistance program on the first Monday of the month at Brookens Champaign County Building on Monday, November 3, 2014. Photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access

Veterans Assistance Commission can’t meet demand for help

Due to a tight budget, Champaign County Veterans Assistance Commission has had to turn away 138 veterans so far this year requesting financial help. Last year they turned away 151 veterans.  The organization  receives funding from Champaign County. They provide temporary financial assistance to veterans, including helping with mortgage or rent payments, utility payments, and food and family essentials. As of this fall, they’ve spent about $69,750 of the budget, Superintendent Brad Gould said. There are over 9,000 veterans in Champaign County , according to the latest figure from U.S. Census Bureau. The low budget has been a problem for several years. In 2014, the commission had to turn away 177 veterans. According to the commission annual report, 52 percent of the budget goes towards helping veterans with their rent, 6 percent towards helping with mortgage and 42 percent goes towards helping with utilities.

Continue ReadingVeterans Assistance Commission can’t meet demand for help