VAAC Report April 2019 by Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs

$35,/ , 2019

REPORT TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Oregon Army National Guard Cadet Jessica Campbell (left) and Sgt. Kyle Ruhlin (center), with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, experience using snowshoes for a march alongside Canadian Army Reserve Soldiers with the Royal Westminster Regiment, 39th Canadian Brigade Group, during the Westie Avalanche Exercise, January 27, 2019, at E.C. Manning Park, British Columbia, Canada. Nearly 40 Oregon Army National Guard Soldiers traveled to British Columbia to participate in basic winter survival skills training and work shoulder-to-shoulder with Canadian Army Reserve allies. (Photo by Sgt. 1st Class April Davis, Oregon Military Department Public Affairs)

ADVISORY COMMITTEE March 6, 2019 ADVISORY COMMITTEE Kim Douthit, Chair ............................................................................................Portland John Howard, Vice Chair ................................................................................. Medford Rosy Macias, Secretary ........................................................................................ Salem Dennis Guthrie ................................................................................................ Redmond Reyn Leno ................................................................................................. Grand Ronde Val Valfre, Jr .……………………………………….....................................................Forest Grove Christine Gittins ............................................................................................... Redmond James Gardner ................................................................................................... Eugene Vacant .............................................................................................................................

ODVA STAFF Kelly Fitzpatrick ................................................................................................. Director Martha-Estela Garcia ................................................... Special Assistant to the Director Mitchel Sparks........................................................................................Deputy Director Joseph Bell……………………………………………….Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director Laurie Skillman ...............................................................................Senior Policy Advisor Bruce Shriver ................................................................................ Chief Financial Officer Sheronne Blasi ..................................................... Director, Statewide Veteran Services Ana Potter ................................................................... Director, Aging Veteran Services Kelly Breshears.…………………………………….…… Assistant Director, Aging Veteran Services Nicole Hoeft .......................................................................... Director, Communications Cody Cox ........................................................ Veteran’s Home Loan Program Manager John Haytas .................................................................... Information Services Manager John Osborn .......................................................... Facilities and Construction Manager Julie Owens ......................................................................... Human Resources Manager

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Quarterly Meeting Agenda Thursday, April 4, 2019 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Southwestern Oregon Community College | 96802 Lone Ranch Pkwy, Brookings, OR 97415 I. WELCOME AND ADMINISTRATION • Call to Order – Chair Kim Douthit • Pledge of Allegiance – Chair Douthit • Moment of Silence – Chair Douthit • Committee Member Introductions • Meeting Rules – John Howard • Audience Introductions • Review and Approval of December 5, 2018 Minutes II. ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Deputy Director, Mitch Sparks III. ODVA Staff & Subcommittees • AC Subcommittee on Legislative Affairs and Policy – Val Valfre • AC Subcommittee on Equitable Outreach to Underserved Population – Kim Douthit • Legislative update from ODVA – Mitch Sparks • New! Volunteer Program at ODVA – Ana Potter • Operation Welcome Home - Veterans Homelessness – Mitch Sparks **********************************BREAK************************************* IV. Advisory Committee Workgroup • Subcommittee structure and guidance to committee members V. OLD BUSINESS ITEMS • Discussion on moving public meeting to a different day of the week VI. NEW BUSINESS • Open for Committee Members • Next Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting: Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2019 | Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Location: The Wilderness Inn | 301 W. North St., Enterprise, OR 97828

VII. PUBLIC COMMENT (Speakers Limited to 3 Minutes) Public comment time is set aside for persons wishing to address the Advisory Committee on agenda matters. Action will not be taken at this meeting on citizen comments. However, the Advisory Committee, after hearing from interested citizens, may place items on a future agenda so proper notice may be given to all interested parties. At the conclusion of the meeting, there will be a Town Hall forum for individuals to bring up broader veteran community issues. Members of the community may also submit written public comments to the Committee at the following email address: vaac@odva.state.or.us VIII. BUSINESS MEETING ADJOURNED OPEN FORUM

CONNECT WITH ODVA

WEBSITE www.oregon.gov/odva BLOG www.oregondva.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/odvavet TWITTER @oregondva or www.twitter.com/OregonDVA ADVISORY COMMITTEE vaac@odva.state.or.us PUBLIC INFORMATION ODVAinformation@odva.state.or.us SUBMIT AN EVENT www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Events.aspx SUBMIT A STORY VetsNews@odva.state.or.us EMAIL SUBSCRIBE & Vets News www.oregon.gov/odva (Under “Connect with ODVA then Agency Publications”) LEGISLATIVE Page www.oregon.gov/odva/Connect/Pages/Legislation.aspx

The Following Pages include the December 5, 2018 Meeting Minutes for Advisory Committee Approval

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Quarterly Meeting Agenda Wednesday, March 6, 2019 | 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Department of Public Safety Standards and Training | 4190 Aumsville Highway, Salem OR 97317 Chair Kim Douthit called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Committee Members Present - Introductions: Kim Douthit – Portland, USCG, Multnomah County VSO, Navy Spouse John Howard – Medford, US Navy, former legislative assistant to Congressman Walden Kelly Fitzpatrick – Director ODVA, US Army Christine Gittins – Redmond, US Army Dennis Guthrie – Redmond, US Army James Gardner – Eugene, US Army Tony García - Portland, US Army & Marine Corps Spouse Val Valfre – Forest Grove, US Air Force Committee Members Absent: Rosy Macías – Salem, US Marine Corps Reyn Leno – Grande Ronde, US Marine Corps Meeting Rules: John Howard, Secretary, reviewed the rules of Advisory Committee public meetings for those in attendance. Audience Introductions: Gus Bedwell – Oregon Housing and Community Services George Carroll – VFW John Wrinkle - VFW Shannon Compton – US Army & ORARNG, Transition Assistance Advisor Cody Cox – ODVA Home Loans Bruce Shriver – ODVA, Chief Financial Officer Jay Lillie – Marine Corps League Coordinating Council Kelly Breshears – ODVA, Assistant Director of Aging Veterans Services Kelly Odegard – VCCO Van Moore – VCCO Jon Terraza – Chemeketa Community College Laurie Skillman – ODVA, Policy & Legislative Affairs Melonie Beauchamp – Military One Source

Rev. Quinten Kimbrow – Dallas United Methodist Chuch Derrryl Hunt – Vets Helping Vets Brent Demoe – Polk County Brenda Powers – Vetcare (Westcare) Sara Webb – Westcare Dan Herrigstad – Portland VA HCS Lindsy Pastone – EIB TF/Salem Andy Smith - AOC Review and Approval of December 5, 2018 Meeting Minutes : A motion was made to accept the minutes with edits, motion seconded, and motion passed. Director’s Report – Kelly Fitzpatrick Kelly reviewed her submitted Director’s report in which she focused on her two priority areas in her start as Director at ODVA – relationship building and resources. She shared the following highlights with the committee: • Ending veterans homelessness is a priority for ODVA which has led to a partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services • Portland VA Medical Center has a new Director • ODVA is working very closely with the Roseburg VA Medical Center and attending Town Halls with them • Education Services – ODVA will taking on the State Approving Agency ODVA Staff Updates: Finance – Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer Bruce reviewed his submitted report and included the following highlights: • The agency received two clean financial audits • Bond sales closed the end of November • Governor released the proposed budget with a significant increase in lotter money and increase in general funds • Veterans Services grant funding increased

Statewide Veterans Services – Sheronne Blasi Sheronne reviewed her submitted report and included the following highlights: • Elizabeth Estabrooks, ODVA’s Women Veterans Coordinator, is working with a nonprofit in regards to violence towards women • She is currently with Gus Bedwell at Oregon Housing and Community Services to work on the veteran homelessness issue • A Clackamas County officer grant money which goes towards veterans homelessness, when he finds a homeless veteran he works to get housing for them and puts them up in a hotel until housing can be provided • Oregon Health Authority received money through the tobacco tax and hired a Veteran Coordinator • The Rede Group has returned their initial findings of the Veterans Access to Behavioral Health survey Home Loans – Cody Cox, Home Loans Manager Cody reviewed his submitted report and included the following highlights: • Closed the year with 264 loans • Delinquency rates are below national average • Collections numbers are down, which is a direct reflection on the servicing department • 1 new staff member, 1 retirement after 30 years • Working on bringing on another new employee to go out into the communities and share about ODVA’s home loans program Aging Veteran Services – Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director of Aging Veterans Services Kelly reviewed the submitted report and included the following highlights: • Working on finalizing the contract between VCCO and ODVA for the two homes • Working with VCCO/WestCare on standardizing the admission process for both homes • Working on getting the project manager on board to redo the conservatorship program, conservatorship case manages 250 veterans • 1 new employee • Conservatorship audit went exceptionally well • A medals presentation was done in the Lebanon home • Delta Wing at The Dalles home is completed and being used

Legislative Affairs and Policy – Laurie Skillman, Legislative and Policy Advisor Laurie reviewed her submitted report and included the following highlights: • Legislative day 12-14 December 2019 • 3 Big events coming up o House Vets: Update on some of our activities to them o Ways and Means Subcommittee (e-Board): Ask to take on SAA (contract between state and federal VA) o Senate Vets: Update how funds are spent and legislative concepts • Between Christmas and New Year’s comes the announcement of new committee members from the House and Senate *******************Break********************** Subcommittee Report: Housing: Presentation by Brent Demoe from Polk County and the Rev. Quinton Kimbrow Brent and Rev. Kimbrow shared with the committee the work that Polk County has been doing on veteran homelessness. • There are 11% homeless vets in Polk County • Polk County in partnership with Dallas United Methodist Church created Gale’s Lodge, temporary housing for homeless veterans • Polk County was awarded $40,000 through an ODVA grant for this project and Grant Per Diem (GPD) through Fed VA • GPD to HUD/VASH is the goal • Gale’s Lodge will connect veterans with social services that they need to include employment • There will be 2 cooks and 1 Mental Health provider; a wellness plan will be developed and in partnership with Work Source Oregon and Easter Seals, veterans will get assistance with resume writing and interview skills • Veterans will pay 30% of their income not to exceed $350.00 which will help them build a rental history Old Business: None

New Business: • Next Advisory Committee Quarterly Meeting: Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2018 | Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Brookings, OR Chair Douthit Meeting adjourned at 1230. Open for Public Comment

ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Kelly Fitzpatrick

As I am writing this in advance of the March Advisory Committee meeting, I wanted to highlight that February is Black History month. It gives us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans in every walk of life, including their vital contributions to the U.S. military. There are more than 7,000 African-American veterans in Oregon. During Black History Month we honor their service, and the proud history and service of all African-American veterans and active-duty military service members. I especially wanted to note the contributions of Portland native Lt. Col. Leneld Brown, who served 24 years in the Army. After retiring he founded the local chapter of the National Association of Black Veterans (NABVETS) in 2006. Under his leadership the organization assisted veterans in receiving more than $13.5 million in benefits in its first ten years. When Lt. Col. Brown passed in 2018 the veterans community lost a great public servant. Since the beginning of 2019 the ODVA Executive Team has been very focused on the long legislative session. ODVA’s Senior Policy Advisor Laurie Skillman will provide a detailed update to the Committee about the status of veteran-related bills. In general, we welcome the many opportunities ODVA will have during the session to have important dialogues with our state legislators. The Governor’s Budget is extremely supportive of our veterans and, if approved by the legislature, will enable ODVA to continue to fulfill its mission to serve and honor veterans through our leadership, advocacy and strong partnerships. ODVA has several recent achievements, only a few of which I’ll note here. For example, ODVA’s Home Loan Program achieved record production for calendar year 2018. The OrVet Home Loan Program assisted 362 Oregon veterans achieve the American Dream of home ownership during the year. The total amount funded for the calendar year was $102,044,184 in new home loan fundings, the highest annual amount since 1997, and a 21% increase over calendar year 2017. In January ODVA and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will enable the tribal government to establish a tribal veteran service office. I felt privileged to co-sign the MOU alongside Mr. Gary Burke,

ODVA DIRECTOR’S REPORT Kelly Fitzpatrick

Chairman of the Board of Trustees for CTUIR. This marks the second MOU that ODVA has created with a tribal government, the first being with Warm Springs in 2018. All Oregon veterans deserve the opportunity to work with service officers who understand their unique challenges, resources, and cultural identity. This is especially true for tribal veterans, who represent a demographic that has the highest per capita military service of any ethnic group in the U.S. ODVA is making progress toward establishing our ability to assume the State Approving Agency function in conjunction with the federal VA. The SAA function is at the heart of each state’s oversight of GI Bill-funded traditional and nontraditional education programs. We are looking forward to building on the success of the Campus Veterans program to ensure that Oregon veterans have access to education programs that will help them to successfully transition to civilian employment and economic stability. Looking ahead, ODVA will honor women veterans as part of Women’s History month in March. Women make up more than eight percent of the Oregon veteran population. ODVA is proud to have Liz Estabrooks as our women veterans coordinator, who continues to advocate for that women veterans’ unique needs. Thank you for your continuing support of Oregon veterans and their families.

ODVA Advisory Committee Legislative Subcommittee

Val Valfre

The Oregon 2019 Legislative Session has begun in full earnest and Laurie Skillman continues to tirelessly champion for ODVA and veterans’ issues. There are many veterans-related legislative bills introduced this term, but Laurie suggested that I take a look at new House Bill 2530 and review the current status of the State’s efforts to end Veterans’ homelessness. HB 2530 is a bill emanating from the House Committee on Veterans and Emergency Preparedness, led by Representative Paul Evans. It seeks to create a Task Force on Innovative Housing Strategies for Veterans. This 11-member task force will consist of one representative each from the Senate and the House, three members each from the departments of Housing and Community Services (OHCS) and ODVA, and finally three members appointed by the Governor. This task force is charged to study and make findings regarding the following: •

Innovative housing strategies to provide housing for homeless and low-income veterans and veterans’ families in this state; including but not limited to the following: o Establishment of a housing purchasing authority to acquire housing for the purpose of providing housing options for veterans; and o Purchase by the state of vacant housing developments during times of recession or other economic downturn for the purpose of providing housing options for veterans; and o For each strategy listed above, a viable plan for implementation, including designation of the state agency or entity that will be responsible for administration of the strategy, identification of barriers and possible outcomes, the amount and nature of available and required financial resources, standards for veteran eligibility and any other factor or consideration that is relevant to evaluating the feasibility and appropriateness of the strategy.

The task force was tasked to submit a report, which may include recommendations for legislation, to interim committees of the Legislative Assembly with subject matter jurisdiction over housing and veterans’ affairs no later than September 15, 2020. Given the objective and scope of the task force, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Housing and Community Services Department are directed to jointly provide staff support to the task force. In a joint testimony to the Housing Veterans and Emergency Preparedness Committee on February 12, 2019, both Departments addressed ongoing innovations to address veterans’ housing and homelessness. The following information draws heavily on their testimonies. OHCS Director Margaret Salazar, for example, testified on the partnering of the departments to “combine forces and work with front-line partners to marshal state, federal and local resources with non-profits, faith-based organizations and others to expand veterans’ housing across Oregon and end veterans’ homelessness.”

In looking at future innovative strategies, the task force will benefit from previous legislation and ongoing collaborative efforts by the two departments – to include the following: A. 2017-19 ODVA Legislative Adopted Budget. A budget note in the ODVA Legislative Adopted Budget directed that $1.5 million in Measure 96 lottery funds to go to the Oregon Housing and Community Services department and tasked ODVA to develop a collaborative plan for expenditure of these funds. In the interim, these lottery funds have accomplished the following: •

• •

•

OHCS hired a Veterans Homelessness Integrator Position o This Veterans Housing Integrator position is working to inform, coordinate and increase partnerships around the goals of increasing affordable housing for Veterans and ending Veterans experiencing or entering homelessness. ODVA’s own Gus Bedwell was hired on July 9, 2018 as the OHCS Veteran Housing Integrator, Increased Emergency Housing Assistance funds to Community Action Agencies (CAA) to provide “boots on the ground” direct services to an additional 115 veterans at the local level. OHCS and ODVA co-hosted two Homeless Convening conferences – bringing local partners from across the state together for two days to collaborate on ways to address veteran homelessness; a third conference is planned for Summer 2019. Funds provided Permanent Housing for Homeless Veterans – these were able to fund an additional OHCS Multifamily Housing NOFA project o Ash Creek Terrace Apartments – a veterans’ only housing project. Currently under construction, this project will house four permanent housing units for low-income veterans experiencing homeless in Polk County. All units will be ADA accessible and one story. Operation Welcome Home (OWH) o Last fall OHCS and ODVA launched Operation Welcome Home, a campaign to address veterans experiencing homelessness that will run from November 2018 to May 2019. OHCS and ODVA are providing 10 communities the support and technical assistance needed to house 500 veterans across Oregon. These communities will create a Veterans’ By-Name List to identify each and every homeless veteran in their community and create a Veterans’ Leadership Team to coordinate resources to prevent and end homelessness. This investment will not only support local community efforts, but it will create a lasting infrastructure to make an impact well into the future.

B. HB 2891 - Veteran Service Grant Program In early 2017, HB 2891 enabled ODVA to fund a number of grants through the Veterans Service Grant Program. The program awarded $550,000 to 10 proposals. Many of the proposals focused on housing and homeless with all or a portion of the grant funds. These grants provide local community organizations with the capacity to bring creativity and innovation to address housing and homelessness, including:

•

• • • •

Polk County Family and Community Outreach Department – provides homeless veterans meals, stable transitional housing, laundry and showers, and connections to veteran service organizations. Oregon City Police Department – first responder for veteran homeless prevention and assistance. Rental assistance and job training assistance St. Andrews Legal Clinic – full legal services to veterans with a focus on issues of economic stability and housing security Klamath/Lake Community Action Services – emergency housing for veterans/families awaiting rehousing/permanent housing Native American Rehabilitation Association of the NW – Outreach and case management for Native American/Alaska Indian homeless veterans to address health/mental health care and housing

C. HB 4007 Document Recording Fee (DRF) Utilization •

The passage of HB 4007 in the 2018 Legislative Session tripled the state Document Recording Fee – where over 76% of these funds are tasked to support affordable housing projects, and the remainder directed to emergency housing assistance and homeownership. 25% to the Document Recording Fee increase is dedicated to serving veterans across the housing spectrum: from homeless assistance to homeownership. Additional resources for veteran housing are available through a variety of resources including the Local Innovation Fast Track (LIFT) housing program, the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and the HOME program have all recently funded affordable housing for veterans – many leveraging federal VASH vouchers and private investment.

D. ODVA’s Efforts for Underserved Veterans •

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs’ Incarcerated, LGBTQ and Women Veterans Coordinators work directly with at risk veterans, and state, federal and local community partners to connect veterans with local housing and support services.

Summary: There will be increased opportunities for ODVA to collaborate and partner with other agencies on strategies emanating from the HB 2530 Task Force – initiatives that I believe will reach beyond the core issues of veterans’ housing and homeless, but also to mental health supports and workforce training.

•

Operation Welcome Home o Description: This was an interesting campaign which reflected a close collaboration between ODVA and Oregon Housing & Community Services to identify ways to identify and house veterans experiencing homelessness in Oregon. The objective was designed to move the needle on Veteran Homelessness in ten communities across Oregon. These ten communities agreed to collaborate with OHCS, ODVA, a Technical Assistance agency and their local partners to complete the following tasks:  Create a comprehensive and collaborative Veterans By-Name List. Veteran ByName List identifies all the Veterans in their community who is or at risk of experiencing homelessness  Convene on a regular basis community partners to prioritize names on the list and identify the available resources to either end or prevent homelessness  Each community also set a housing goal to collectively house up to 500 Veterans housed during the campaign o Launch Event: ODVA and OHCS worked tirelessly for several months to set up and launch this campaign, which happened on November 15, 2018 at Seavey Meadows in Corvallis, Oregon. At this launch event I was honored to be one of the speakers announcing the list of ten communities applying to work collaboratively to end veterans homelessness., elected officials, local veterans, etc. held a public and successful launch event at Seavey Meadow Apartments in Corvallis, Oregon on November 2018 o First in Person Training: 1.5 day training in Eugene on February 5th and 6th in Eugene, where lead sessions were held on information sharing, best practices and goal setting.  All of the communities were charged with setting up their first of many community meetings within the first two weeks after the event. Operation Welcome Home Limited Duration Committee o The first OWH Limited Duration Meeting occurred on February 8, 2019 with 16 attendees – our Rosy Macias attended representing the Salem Vet Center

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director General AVS Update: •

•

Ana Potter attended the National Association of State Veteran Homes (NASVH) conference in February. At this conference she was able to connect with representatives from other states as well as federal VA staff to discuss current trends and concerns facing our veterans. The legislative session has started and AVS is actively tracking several bills that may impact aging veterans.

General Veteran Homes Update: • •

• •

ODVA is in final negotiations with VCCO regarding the financial portion of the new contract. A tentative agreement has been reached regarding the other portion of the contract and a final signed version should be completed in the near future. An admissions process review team has been formed with key staff from VCCO, Westcare and Aging Veteran Services. The Admission Application has been completely revised and the team continues to work on other aspects of the admission process. The new form will be available as a fillable form which will help streamline the application process. AVS staff have also been working with the contractor on several other process/procedures at the Homes to ensure continuity between The Dalles and Lebanon. AVS and other ODVA staff have also been part of a small subgroup meeting to review the financial payment/collections processes. The Program Director for The Dalles, Michael Springston, left the agency to pursue a different career path in January. Lacey Carter and Jeremy Woodall have been providing coverage at The Dalles on a rotational basis working with our veteran residents and the VCCO team there. The goal is to ensure the residents at The Dalles continue to receive the best possible advocacy while ODVA works through the process to fill this position. This has also provided a rare opportunity to review processes between the Homes and align them when appropriate.

Special Projects: •

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Kelly Breshears has been working with the IT and Communication units to secure Project Management services in order to move forward with the replacement of the existing IT Conservatorship System. The proposed contract has been returned by Department of Justice and the “kick-off” meeting for the project is happening on in early March. Aging Veteran Services is teaming up with the Oregon Department of Justice, AARP, and DCBS fraud unit on an event called “Operation Stop Scams”. This event will focus on providing information to veterans and service members regarding for Fraud/Scams, as well as directing them to local CVSO’s. The event is scheduled to be held on May 20th, 2019 at World of Speed in Wilsonville. More information will be coming soon.

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Aging Veteran Outreach Lacey Carter December was marked with an important milestone for the Aging Veteran Outreach Specialist, Lacey Carter. Lacey passed her USDVA Accreditation Exam early in the month and is now back on the roster as an Accredited Representative for the agency which will allow her to assist veterans with the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veterans’ benefits. In January, Lacey spent two weeks assisting in the coverage of the Program Director position that was recently vacated at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in The Dalles (OVHTD). In doing so, she has had the valuable experience of observing and participating in day-to-day OVHTD operations but also, and most importantly, in spending time with residents, their families and VCCO staff. Since becoming accredited, Lacey has assisted several residents at OVHTD and veteran clients being served in the ODVA Conservatorship and Rep Payee Programs, in completing VA benefits forms and filings. The focus for January and February has been outreach. Several meetings have occurred with non-profits and agencies who serve veterans in Salem, Bend, Redmond, The Dalles and the Willamette Valley with several more meeting scheduled throughout the state. Lacey and Mark are also scheduled to present at each of the Regional CVSO Quarterly Trainings that are being held. AVS is also in the midst of creating a statewide outreach project designed to meet with veterans in their local communities. The intent is to obtain input from aging veterans, their families, care providers, government entities and community partners help AVS understand what the unmet needs are relating to care, services and supports. These meetings will help ODVA identify the needs of Oregon’s aging veteran population by region, and also strengthen relationships.

Veteran Volunteer Coordinator Mark Newell

ODVA has started recruiting volunteers for the Volunteer Pilot Project. We are currently recruiting volunteers in Deschutes, Clackamas, and Polk counties. The goal is to receive feedback from these initial volunteers to help fine tune the program in preparation of going statewide. Mark has visited with the VSO’s and other stakeholders in each of these counties. In addition to recruiting volunteers, AVS has purchased a volunteer management system that helps track reporting as well as providing a communication tool for volunteers. The Veteran Volunteer webpage is now live on the agency website (located at: https://www.oregon.gov/odva/Resources/Pages/Volunteer-Program.aspx) and a marketing campaign which includes the use of a press release, Facebook, e-mail, and ODVA Veteran News magazine was launched on February 6th. Mark received an astounding 40 applications and 14 phone calls in the first 24 hours and received a total of 81 inquiries total at the time of this writing. He is currently in the process of vetting the applications in order to begin the training and onboarding process. 20

AGING VETERANSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Mark has also been focusing on increasing program awareness and recruitment by meeting with several organizations including Redmond and Bend Band of Brothers, Central Oregon Veteran Outreach, Metropolitan Family Services, Oregon Department of Human Services, Washington County Veteran Task Force, Clackamas County DHS and Veteran Services, Polk County Family and Community Outreach, Yamhill County Developmental and Disability Service, State of Oregon Long Term Ombudsman, Clackamas County Veteran Advisory Council, Statewide CVSO Conference, Elders in Action, and Northwest Senior and Disability Service. We will continue to do outreach in these counties until our pilot project volunteer positions are full. The pilot project is expected to run for 4 months.

Conservatorship Helen Ireland, Conservatorship Manager

In November, all Conservatorship and Representative Payee staff attended a quarterly training provided through the Guardianship Conservatorship Association of Oregon. Interviews were conducted to fill the open Conservatorship Probate assistant position and on February 4th Sabastina Ellingsworth started work. Sabastina has a varied employment background and will make a great addition to the team. Conservatorship and Representative Payee Demographics 2 12

40 68 41 4

12 13

Nursing Home

Residential Care Facility

Adult Foster Home

Assisted Living Facility

Room & Board Facility

Hospital

Independent Living

Relative Care

Incarcerated

Homeless

WWII

Korea

Vietnam

Peace Time

Gulf War

Other (non-veteran)

(Note: some veterans have served in multiple campaigns of war/branches.)

114

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Oregon Veterans’ Home, Lebanon Jeremy Woodall, Program Director

As of this report the employee parking lot, to the rear (west) of the OVHL campus is nearing completion. In our last report we were hoping for a completion date of early Dec 2018. The parking lot itself is finished, and VCCO Administration and Department Heads have been using it for a couple weeks. This week (11 FEB) the light poles, lights, and security cameras are to be installed. It’s possible the parking lot will be finished and open for employee parking use by end of February thus providing additional parking for family members and guests of the OVHL. From the initial Valentine’s Day event in 2015 when OVHL had seven veterans, to 2019, where three nights are dedicated to ensuring the veteran residents and their loved ones have the opportunity to celebrate on a special night. The event encompasses amazing food, live music, and a photo booth. OVHL Demographics 2 12

36 33

12 2

WWII

Korea

Vietnam

Air Force

Army

Coast Guard

Peace Time

Gulf War

OIF/OEF

Marine

Navy

Spouse

(Note: some veterans have served in multiple campaigns of war/ branches)

AGING VETERANS’ SERVICES

Ana Potter, Director Kelly Breshears, Assistant Director Oregon Veterans’ Home, The Dalles Vacant, Program Director OVHTD cleared their revisit survey and is in compliance with state and federal regulations. The contractor has made several changes to their recruiting process for CNA's and these changes appear to be having a positive impact. Holiday decorations were once again a big success in making this time of year special for the veterans. The last phase of OVHTD’s remodel has been completed and all artwork is now displayed. AVS is working with the contractor to schedule a joint re-grand opening for the facility which will likely occur later in the year to ensure weather does not impact attendance. OVHTD Demographics 2 15

28 56

WWII

Korea

Peace Time

Gulf War

Vietnam

Air Force

Army

Coast Guard

Marine

Navy

Spouse

(Note: some veterans have served in multiple campaigns of war/ branches)

Veterans’ Home Loan Program Fourth Quarter 2018 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

Production Review •

For the 4th Quarter, 2018, the Home Loan Program closed 95 loans for a gross dollar volume of $26,706,468. For the same period in 2017, the Home Loan Program funded 63 loans for $15,684,330. For the Calendar YE 2018, the Home Loan Program has closed 362 loans for $102,044,184. This calendar total represents the highest loan production going back to 1997.

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The chart below shows a 2014 - 2018 YTD monthly production comparison of dollar volume funded for the OrVet Home Loan program. $16,000,000

2014

$14,000,000

2015

2016

2017

2018

$12,000,000 $10,000,000 $8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 $-

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At the end of the 4th Quarter 2018, ODVA have a total of 1,980 loans in portfolio, with a total dollar amount under servicing of $372,629,579. Of these, 1,733 units and $363,108,426 are new loans. Old loans were at 247 units totaling $9,521,153. At the end of the 4th Quarter 2017, the ODVA had a total of 1,853 for $307,667,328 under servicing; with 1,520 units at $295,819,078 as New loans and 333 units at $11,848,250 were Old Loans. The servicing portfolio has grown from YE 2017 to YE 2018 by $64,962,251, or 21.11%.

Loan Delinquency Review • • • • •

For the reporting period of 12/31/2018, there was no State Owned Properties/Real Estate Owned (SOP/REO) in inventory. At 2018 YE, there were no loans in a Foreclosure status, the same as the previous quarter. At the end of 4th Qtr 2018, ODVA has 2 loans in a bankruptcy status; no change. The total of all loans reporting in the 90-day or greater delinquency position was at 12, expressed as 0.6% unit delinquency on a portfolio of 1,980 loans and at 0.2% per dollar amount under portfolio. ODVA continues to experience reduced delinquency rates as compared to other Government Residential Loan Programs. The Mortgage Bankers Association publishes a quarterly National Delinquency Survey and the following represents Oregon specific comparative data from the most recently available Fourth Quarter 2018 report. The delinquency rate expressed as a percentage of total loans (units) past due for the Federal Veterans Affairs home loan program in Oregon was 2.58%, FHA home loans in Oregon were at 5.45 25

Veterans’ Home Loan Program Fourth Quarter 2018 Cody Cox – Home Loan Program Manager

% and Conventional Prime home loans Oregon were at 1.73%. For this reporting period, the total delinquency for the ODVA home loan program was 1.3% at 26 units, down 1 unit from the previous report.

Quarterly Staffing News •

October of 2018 saw the retirement of one of our long term employees. After over 35 years of service to Oregon veterans, Kathy Palominos has taken time for herself. We have hired Charity Knight to fill Kathy’s shoes. Charity comes with great experience in the mortgage industry, and is adapting very nicely to our culture. We thank Kathy for her tireless dedication to the OrVet Home Loan Program, and welcome Charity to the team.

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

PROGRAMS Statewide Veteran Services (SVS), Portland Office—Martin Ornelas, Manager

During the quarter, SVS Portland staff attended 82 Travel Board and Video hearings and 21 DRO hearings, and reviewed 4,234 Ratings Board decisions. They are continuing to work hard to catch up with and stay current with scanning and uploading documents issued in response to veteran claims, while providing the assistance for appeals work needed by Oregon Counties. Significant scanning and uploading work is due to the federal VA catching up with its claims documents. The Portland office has also recruited for and hired administrative support staff, and is currently in the process of hiring a new VSO. Success Story: A veteran was granted 100% for PTSD after his appeal was represented by Portland ODVA staff in October. The award allowed the veteran to move from a halfway house, which the VA considers ‘homeless’ into his own apartment. The financial increase should prevent risk of future homelessness, and allow the veteran to cope with his mental health issues in a more suitable, stable environment.

Training, Certification and Outreach (TCO)—Joe Glover and James Connolly, Program Analysts

Second Quarter was defined by our 2018 Fall Training Conference. This year the Conference was held in Lebanon, OR at the Boulder Falls Center. The week long training covered various topics for County Veteran Service Officers. At the conference we were able to announce a new memorandum of understanding with National Veterans legal Service Program (NVLSP), and rolled out a new format for conference training that received 93% approval from participants. At the conference we held a recertification exam for accredited CVSO’s due once every five years. During this period we visited 10 different county offices, held one National Guard training event, one five-day training, and we tested and certified 11 newly accredited CVSO’s. The TCO team also responded to numerous constituent inquiries from the Governor’s office and state legislators. These involve reviewing the veteran’s case file (if we hold their power of attorney), contacting the veteran, and then working with the veteran and the VA to resolve issues.

Success story: The training team often covers the Portland office while staff is all handling BVA hearings. During one such busy period, a homeless veteran came in desperately seeking housing, but his efforts were being held up due to a VA-computer error. The team worked with the veteran, utilizing some creative work, and was able to correct the problem and generate the needed documentation to assure the veteran would obtain placement in a safe location. The team also made a referral to the Multnomah County office, and he met with the CVSO to get the housing piece completed and filed a disability claim. His claim was granted.

Women Veterans Coordinator—Liz Estabrooks, Program Analyst

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

This quarter Liz had 27 veteran contacts; presented IANI to five different events, including the Idaho Women Veterans Conference; 14 community partner meetings; seven education presentations; consulted or partnered with the Portland VA at nine different meetings, including as part of the MST/PTSD Task Force and the 5C/Women’s Health improvement executive committee meetings; attended two Oregon DHS DV Council meetings; had one media interview; phone calls with two congressional veteran reps; attended six veterans outreach events and one listening session, meeting with a total of 52 women veterans; attended two Stand Downs, one in Lane County and one in Newport. Success story: During the December Stand Down in Newport, a homeless woman veteran was assisted through partnership with community partners in Coos Bay and Linn-Benton counties as well as using ODVA emergency funds. She was placed in a campground for 4 days (there are no shelters for women in the area) then a hotel for 3 days until she could get into a temporary shelter while awaiting permanent shelter in Corvallis. The shelter in Corvallis is for women who are coming out of the hospital, but an exception was made as she was medically fragile and the temperatures were dropping, she was accepted at the shelter. She is now in the shelter and connected with HUD/VASH, VA Mental Health, community behavioral health, and the VSO’s in Benton County. She is now waiting for HUD/VASH approval so she can get into an apartment. This case highlights the importance of tabling community partnerships, and the problematic gap in emergency or short-term shelters for women veterans in Oregon.

LGBTQ Veteran Coordinator—Nathaniel Boehme, Program Analyst

ODVA’s LGBTQ Veteran Coordinator continued his work in the LGBTQ veteran community and direct services. New connections were made with organizations such as the FBI (looking to recruit nontraditional agents) and representing ODVA and the veteran perspective at the Oregon Department of Revenue and the AARP’s Vital Aging Summit. Success Story: A veteran discharged under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tel was pursing a military records correction, a service-connected disability, and a VA home loan. The veteran was under a POA with DAV, but needed considerable additional support. Through cooperative work with ODVA, the veteran was eventually awarded service-connection and obtained a certificate of eligibility for a home loan.

Incarcerated Veterans—Pat McGuffin and Vicky Kauffman, Program Analysts

Pat and Vicky made 13 visits to the Coffee Creek Correctional Facility verifying the veteran status for 148 inmates. Of these inmates, 36 met the legal definition of a “veteran” for an overall program verification rate to 28%. Pat and Vicky made an additional seven visits to state correctional facilities assisting another 36 veterans with VA overpayment and debt issues, benefit eligibility, and re-entry transition planning.

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

Success story: The incarcerated veteran coordinators started providing CVSOs with monthly lists of self-identified veterans projected to release to their counties over the next 6-month time period. Even though it is projected data subject to change, the list provides a general heads-up to CVSOs and allows them to have a by-name dialogue with their community corrections (parole and probation) counterparts to ensure each veteran is evaluated for potential benefit eligibility also providing details about each self-identified veteran, such as whether or not their “veteran” status and whether benefit eligibility was already verified by ODVA. It also provides CVSOs with an opportunity to reach out to the veterans before their release. For instance, using the initial list provided by ODVA the Multnomah CVSO was able to provide over 20 veterans with county veteran resource and CVSO services information prior to their release. Previously the CVSOs had to wait for veterans to contact them, usually after their release from prison.

Campus Veteran Coordinator—VACANT Tribal Veterans

ODVA and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in August 2018 that will enable the tribal government to establish the state’s first-ever tribal veteran service office. In December, the Director of ODVA signed its second MOU, with the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation. Once established, the tribal veteran service offices will operate similar to a county veteran service office, providing direct services to tribal veterans under ODVA’s power of attorney. Like all county veteran service officers, the tribal veteran service officers will be trained and certified through ODVA.

State Approving Agency (SAA)

In December 2018, ODVA received legislative approval to increase its expenditure limitation and authorized the establishment of three new full-time permanent positions to establish ODVA as the federal VA State Approving Agency (SAA) for veterans’ education programs. Prior to October 2018, the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission served as the SAA for Oregon. SAAs ensure veterans have access to educational and training opportunities and that federal VA education benefits are in compliance with applicable laws and regulation by approving educational and training programs; overseeing programs through supervisory visits and compliance surveys; and providing technical support and outreach. USDVA reimburses SAAs for direct costs incurred to perform SAA functions.

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

Grants Management—Sue Farkash County Pass-Through Funding

For the period October – December 2018, ODVA examined the county quarterly reports of the activities accomplished and the spending of the county Veteran Services Offices. Some counties have utilized the new funds in exactly the way the legislature intended, hiring new staff, purchasing equipment and vehicles to facilitate remote outreach, etc. ODVA is working closely with all counties, assisting them with developing a good plan for their increased funding. It is our hope that all funds passed through by the legislature will find its way to serving more Oregon veterans, with better, more easily accessible services.

Emergency Financial Assistance

Seventeen applications for grants were received, with seven of those approved for a total of $13,631. The average grant was $1,947. Most approved grants are for mortgage/rent and utility payments. Fewer grants than normal were approved this period because the applicants did not have a viable sustainability plan, or were well beyond the scope of this small program. Success story: An elderly widow of a veteran was basically starving due to desperately needed, extensive, dental work. She was a perfect candidate for the grant, but her dentist was a cosmetic dentist asking for far more than the grant could afford. ODVA, the widow, and her daughter all worked together to find a local provider the widow was comfortable with, who would work with her and was willing to accept what ODVA could budget. The dental work was provided, ensuring the widow is able to get enough nourishment to survive.

Highly Rural Transportation Grant

Ten highly rural counties are receiving assistance transporting veterans to VA medical appointments. The grant has been a successful cooperative arrangement between USDVA, ODVA, and rural counties and their transportation entities. Success story: ODVA has been granted funds for a fifth year. We request the full grant allowed by the USDVA each cycle, and each time we are able to utilize every dollar. 25 states have qualifying counties, but only 11 choose to participate in this very worthwhile program. During this quarter, over 93,000 miles were driven, taking Oregon veterans to vitally needed medical appointments.

Campus Veteran Grants Coordinator - VACANT

Monitoring consists of long-distance oversight via quarterly reporting. Success story: Blue Mountain Community College in Pendleton proposed using part of their grant to promote the Veteran Resource Center once it was up and functional. They created an amazing video, really outlining the value of a special gathering place for veteran students. It’s an excellent reminder of the value of the grant, and well worth the look: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEIAri2oqK0

STATEWIDE VETERAN SERVICES Sheronne Blasi, Director

Statewide Veteran Services Grants

The 10 selected grants have been busy implementing proposed programs. Programs are slowly ramping up, some fully functional at this point, others overcoming obstacles discovered along the way. Difficulty finding persons who have served that meet the definition of a veteran was not anticipated by the grantees (character of discharge can be problematic.) One very exciting program was dependent on zoning changes and permitting, but all has been accomplished and a modular unit for homeless veterans is now in place in Polk County. Success story: An 85 year old recently widowed veteran felt pressured into signing an unsustainable rental agreement. A grantee that assists housing insecure veterans helped him find affordable housing and was able to break his lease with some leverage resulting in waived fees. The veteran was successfully relocated to a place he can afford and meets all his needs. This would not have been possible without someone literally on the street looking to assist veterans, who took the time to speak with him and really understand his needs. A crisis was averted before it ever reached crisis level.

Lines for Life

Lines for Life, provides 24 hour phone and text services to at-risk veterans and their families. This quarter, 572 calls from 14 identified counties were logged. The calls had an average wait time of 15 seconds, and the average duration of a call was 12 minutes. Referrals were given to 21% of the callers for mental health appointments, drug and alcohol treatment, and assistance with the VA. Emergency services were notified for three calls this quarter.

Partnership with Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS) -

SVS Director collaborates with OHCS on a regular basis regarding homeless veteran initiatives. A 2017-19 ODVA budget note directed $1.5M Lottery funds to OHCS, and required ODVA and OHCS to develop a collaborative plan for use of the funds. Efforts are in support of the Governor’s call to end veteran homelessness. Use/distribution of the funds include: • • • •

Hired a Veteran Homelessness Integrator Position at OHCs. Increased Community Action Agency (CAA) Veteran Services Funding. Conducted two Homeless Convening which brought partners from across the state together for two days to discuss and collaborate on ways to address veteran homelessness (another planned for Summer 2019). Providing permanent Housing for Homeless Veterans. Funded an additional OHCS Multifamily Housing NOFA project. Kicked off Operation Welcome Home (OWH) - OHCS and ODVA are collaborating with 10 communities to house approximately 500 homeless veterans across Oregon. Campaign focuses on building a veteran leadership team, and providing contracted technical assistance to create and utilize a veteran by-name list. By-name lists are used to link veterans to available services.

FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer Department’s Budget Embedded within the 2019-2021 Governor’s Budget

In late November 2018, the Governor released her proposed 2019-2021 Budget for the Executive Branch State Agencies. Included within the Governor’s Budget was her proposed budget for the Department for the upcoming biennium. The proposed 2019-21 budget for the Department is larger than the 2017-19 biennial budget and includes significant additional funding for enhancing veteran services activities. The 2019 State Legislature will deliberate on the Department’s proposed budget over the next three to five months and will ultimately determine the Department’s legislatively adopted budget for the 2019-2021 biennium. When comparing the Department’s proposed 2019-21 budget to the Department’s existing 2017-2019 budget, some of the primary enhancements proposed in the 2019-2021 budget include: (1) establishing the Aging Veteran Services Program as a separate budgeted program unit in the 2019-21 biennium. Previously, Aging Veteran Services was included within Veteran Services for budgeting purposes; (2) new or additional partnership pass-through funding of $760,000 was included for helping address veteran homelessness, $200,000 for new tribal veteran partnerships, $1,500,000 in increased funding for veteran services grants, $600,000 in new rural veteran medical transportation funding and $560,000 in new funding to help address veteran behavioral needs; (3) additional funding for providing Representative Payee services, Conservatorship/VSO training, and Loan Program business development; (4) funding for business systems technology improvements; (5) $218,000 in funding to enhance Department internal audit capabilities; (6) $300,000 in funding for an employment and economic development coordinator, (7) $670,000 in funding to position the Department to serve as the State Approving Agency for veteran educational programs; (8) $500,000 to fund a pilot program for down payment & closing cost assistance; and (9) funding to refurbish the 2nd floor of the ODVA Building in Salem. A graphical comparison of the Department’s operational budgets (which excludes non-limited expenditures, debt service and capital construction costs) is provided below.

[Legislative Approved Budget (LAB); Agency Request Budget (ARB); and Governor’s Budget (GB)] 33

FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer Department Appearance Before the December 2018 Legislative Emergency Board

In December 2018, the Department appeared before the Legislative Emergency Board to request funding for three positions (0.75 FTE) to help prepare the Department to perform the duties and assume the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs State Approving Agency for veterans’ education programs in Oregon, effective October 1, 2019. The Legislative Emergency Board approved the Department’s request for the positions and increased Lottery Funds expenditure limitation by approximately $200,000 for the remainder of the current biennium. In addition, the Legislative Emergency Board also recommended that the Department’s Veterans Services Program Lottery Funds allocation be increased during the 2019 Legislative Session to pay for the increased expenditure limitation.

FY 2019 Unaudited Financial Statements

The September 30, 2018 audited financial statements show an overall decrease in net position in the Veterans’ Loan Program of approximately ($0.1) million for the first three months of fiscal year 2019. The same period for the prior fiscal year showed an overall decrease in net position of approximately ($0.2) million. The current fiscal year decrease in net position is primarily attributable to increased bond interest costs, increased services & supplies expense and higher loan cancellation life insurance claims experience. The Veterans’ Home Program audited financial statements show an overall increase in net position of approximately $0.5 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2019, compared to an increase in net position of approximately $0.5 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. Included in these figures were transfers and capital contributions into the Veterans’ Home Program from the Veterans’ Home Trust Fund and federal grant monies which totaled approximately $4.0 thousand and $7.3 thousand respectively. The Changes in Net Position for both the Veterans’ Loan Program and Veterans’ Home Program are shown in comparative form in the chart below.

FINANCIAL SERVICES DIVISION

Bruce Shriver, Chief Financial Officer Other Financial Services Division Activities:

Over the past several months, the Financial Services team worked on budget development activities relating to the 2019-2021 Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Budget, contracting & procurement efforts, processed federal grant reimbursements, helped coordinate an internal auditing review, conducted post-issuance bond compliance activities, exercised early bond redemptions, began recruiting to fill a vacant Accountant 3 position, interacted with the Department of Administrative Services - Chief Financial Office and the Legislative Fiscal Office on budgetary & upcoming legislative matters and performed other related financial activities as needed.

COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION SERVICES Nicole Hoeft, Director Communications Planning for the 2019 Veteran Benefit Expo has begun. This year’s event will be held in Pendleton on July 27 at the Pendleton Convention Center. Last year, following the passage of Measure 96, ODVA partnered with Oregon Lottery to enhance outreach and messaging for the event. This partnership continues and the teams are also working with Umatilla County Veteran Services Office to identify local veteran resource providers to participate in the annual event. More information about the event can be found at www.expo.oregondva.com.

Information Services Information Services continues to support core operations and maintain resources for application development and support for current systems. To implement a new Conservatorship and Home Loans application, the team is working to evaluate bids for professional project management and business analysis services. Security planning is ongoing and involves the development of an information security implementation plan and a business continuity and disaster recovery plan.

Records and Information Management Records continues to work with State Archives to finalize the agency’s updated retention schedule and implement a new records management policy. Recently State Archives officially acknowledged the system that our agency uses for document management as the official records copy of the agency. The team is working to destroy all paper copies of records scanned into the official records management system, freeing up a majority of the agency’s physical storage space.

FACILITIES AND CONSTRUCTION John Osborn, Program Manager

THE DALLES VETERANSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; HOME As mentioned in earlier reports each wing will have three commissioned pieces of art that connect to the large murals at the entrance to each wing. The art selected will be place at prominent locations in each wing. In addition, we are currently waiting for USDVA to release the 2019 priority list for veteran home construction. The Dalles grant request will involve replacing the roof, redesigning the soffit to siding connections; redevelop the garden area between C & D wings, and various interior and exterior items. The total project cost is; $6,033,928. Federal share is $3,922,053. State is $2,111,874.

LEBANON VETERANSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; HOME The parking lot addition is now complete and in use. This additional parking will be for staff, volunteers and visitors to the home. The Lebanon grant request for 2019 will further develop the area west of the new parking lot adding a storage building and additional staff offices. In addition, an activity room will be built off the existing D-wing spine similar to the one constructed at The Dalles Veterans Home. The total project cost is $3,649,000. Federal share is $2,371,850. State share is $1,277,150.

ODVA Building Planning and design is continuing on the first floor remodel. Final design documents for this project will go out for bidding around the middle of March, construction should begin by mid- June. The second floor remodel is in the early design development stage. A final design will need to be reviewed and approved by our internal stakeholders before we can move forward with construction documents. The Early Learning Division project will start construction by mid- March and should take around 6 weeks to complete. All remodels in the building will include additional offices, new carpet, flooring, paint, and casework. The new design of lobby will incorporate the updated finishes and will create a more welcoming atmosphere.