During a recent presentation to the Grays Harbor County Board of Commissioners, County Assessor Dan Lindgren took the opportunity to inform the board, and the public, about the Veterans Assistance Fund, which is administered by Grays Harbor County Public Health.

“We have the Veterans Relief Fund. I do like to tell people that this is another program that the county has to help veterans,” Lindgren said. “There is some funding for veterans who are having a hard time paying a mortgage, paying a utility bill.”

Veterans who served on active duty who were honorably discharged or discharged under honorable circumstances may qualify for up to a $1,000 disbursement. However, the benefit can only be redeemed every other calendar year with a maximum of four times in a lifetime. Extenuating circumstances may be requested once per lifetime.

Other requirements include an annual income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level based on household size ($31,300 for a single person), verifiable documentation and you must be a resident of Grays Harbor County for at least six months.

Funds may be used for housing, food, medical expenses, utility bills, miscellaneous hygiene items and other basic needs, and burial expenses.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, of the estimated 77,893 residents of Grays Harbor County, 6,620, or roughly 8.5%, are veterans.

Wilma Weber is the administrator for the program, while Gwyn Tarrence serves as the Veterans Relief Fund ombudsman. For more information, visit: https://www.healthygh.org/directory/veterans