Aging Veteran Services Kelly Breshears

Fiduciary Programs

The ODVA Conservatorship and Representative Payee Programs currently serve a total of 163 of Oregon most vulnerable veterans and their dependents. Veterans served through these programs have all been deemed incapable of handling their own finances and/or managing their own assets. These veterans are extremely vulnerable to financial abuse and exploitation. Many have already faced these hardships prior to coming into ODVA’s programs.

Below is a success story for two veterans served by the program. Their names have been changed for privacy purposes.

ODVA was appointed as representative payee for Janelle, a 52-year-old female veteran, in May 2015. Janelle was homeless for many years due to mental health issues, including paranoia, and has had multiple contacts with law enforcement over the years. For the first several years she was served by the representative payee program, Janelle made frequent phone calls to ODVA sometimes as many as 4-5 times a day. She was often in dire straits and frequently had her personal belongings stolen by other homeless individuals. It took ODVA staff these first few years to develop a relationship and trust with Janelle. Finally in November 2020, with the help of ODVA staff and her mental health provider, Janelle was able to obtain stable housing in a residential care facility.

The ODVA staff played a big role in Janelle’s success. Staff were in constant communication with her and encouraged her to utilize available resources and attend medical appointments. ODVA staff were in regular contact with USDVA mental health providers and physicians regarding the health and welfare of this veteran. While Janelle does not like using her funds to pay for the cost of housing, she has enough resources, is well connected with VA Healthcare, and is still currently off the streets and in a safe environment.

After being contacted by the Oregon Department of Human Service, Adult Protective Services Division, the ODVA became the Conservator for Joe, a 79-year-old veteran, in February 2021. Joe had previously been homeless in 2018, having lost his housing due to non-payment of rent. This was in large part because Joe was the victim of financial fraud and abuse by several individuals.

Over the 4 years prior to ODVA’s appointment, Joe was scammed out of approximately $100,000. When ODVA was appointed as conservator, Joe was again facing eviction for being 8 months past due on rent, despite the fact his income was more than double his cost of living. ODVA was able to negotiate with Joe’s landlord to allow him to stay in his apartment and catch up on rent while we worked with Joe and his medical team to find a more suitable living situation for him. Since Joe does not drive, can’t cook, and has medical issues which were