The Lucas County Veterans Service Commission is proud to serve the needs of honorably discharged veterans through their numerous outreach and assistance programs. The commission recently launched LucasCounty Vets.org—their new and interactive website where local veterans can reach their office, file a request for emergency assistance, submit documentation for services and stay in the know on all things veteran related in the community.
Services offered by the veterans commission include short-term emergency financial assistance to veterans who are at or below the federal poverty line; guidance for veterans in need of disability services through the Veterans Administration; help for veterans and their widows in arranging transportation, especially for medical purposes; and issuance of veteran identification cards which are an easy way for service members to show their military status and receive proper discounts and assistance in everyday life.
Emergency assistance from the Veterans Service Commission is often used to prevent evictions and utility disconnections, or aid in auto repairs and providing food. Last year the emergency assitance program assisted more than 4,500 Lucas County veterans. Veterans who are over the income guideline can still appeal to the commission’s board when emergencies arise.
Trained service officers maintain certification each year through the Ohio Department of Veterans Service to ensure they are aware of all the changes and best methods to help area veterans get the federal money to which they are entitled.
Through assistance from commission service officers, the VA provided more than $43 million to Lucas County veterans in the last year in disability compensation, pensions for war era veterans, aid and attendance reimbursement for individuals needing additional medical assistance and burial benefits.
Veterans going to the local veteran’s clinic are given bus passes to cover their daily trip. The Lucas County Veterans Services Commission and TARTA partnered to offer veterans reduced travel cost with proper veterans identification.
The service commission is also reponsible for providing approximately 54,000 flags to be placed on every veteran’s grave in Lucas County for Memorial Day. This year, they will host their first “Veterans Grill Out” at the Lucas County fairgrounds, on May 20. In partnership with the Red Cross and The University of Toledo, they also host an annual veteran’s appreciation breakfast and resource fair at Savage Arena on Veterans Day. Through partnerships with other local, state, federal and non-profit agencies— such as the VA Homeless program and 1 VetMatters—they have connections to help prevent veteran homelessness and work closely with other agencies to get veterans back to a stable situation.
