DIRECTOR Kelly Fitzpatrick
Vets’ Dedication Endures Long After Military Service
E
very day, I have the privilege of meeting remarkable legal and other services. veterans from all walks of life and all branches of This work is already providing positive outcomes service who have served our country with honor for veterans in our state. Although the work is still in and distinction. We are a proud community whose an early stage, success stories from grant recipients are members strive to ensure those to our left and to our encouraging. These funds are being used for “boots on right are doing well, and that no one is left behind. the ground” services like those provided by Officer Day Nonetheless, the contributions veterans continue of the Oregon City Police Department, who is literally to make long after their military service is complete helping one veteran at a time to get off the streets while never cease to amaze me, like that of Oregon’s Lakeview waiting for permanent housing. Veterans Interagency Hotshot Crew, the nation’s first Another grantee, Community Connection of hotshot crew made up entirely of military veterans Northeast Oregon, launched its Rides to Wellness (pages 12-13) or retired Army Col. Betty Pomeroy’s program in Union and Baker counties for veterans passionate dedication to in need of rides to medical providing veterans and their appointments. They have already families with safe and affordable provided veterans with more than Together, we housing (pages 16-18). 1,800 rides. For many veterans, continue to make a The Oregon Department of transportation is health care. Veterans’ Affairs is committed As ODVA awaits the difference. to functionally ending veteran legislatively approved 2019-2021 homelessness in Oregon. In biennial budget, we remain partnership with the Oregon Housing and Community focused on providing leadership and advocacy to ensure Services and in support of the Governor Kate Brown’s Oregon veterans are able to access the VA benefits they priority to provide long-term affordable housing earned. Toward that end, ODVA continues to partner solutions for Oregon veterans, ODVA is working with with communities and organizations that are well community partners across the state to fund innovative positioned to deliver services to our veterans across a solutions to help veterans avoid homelessness, transition diverse range of needs. into permanent housing and obtain short-term housing Together, we continue to make a difference in the security. lives of Oregon veterans and their families. Last year, ODVA developed and implemented grants that used Ballot Measure 96 lottery funding for veteran services. One of those is the Veterans Services Grant that awarded funds directly to community service providers that assist veterans in their communities across a broad spectrum of needs like homelessness, behavioral health,
