Oakland County Offers Grant Funding For Veterans

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Veterans in Oakland County may be eligible for $2,500 in assistance through a COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program, county officials said this week.

Oakland County veterans, service members and eligible dependents impacted by the pandemic and needing financial help can apply for assistance through the Veterans COVID-19 Emergency Financial Relief Program.

“There are more than 60,000 veterans in Oakland County and many of them are struggling to make ends meet,” Oakland County Executive David Coulter said. “Some veterans have lost jobs or income, while others may be faced with higher food bills and other increased expenses. These grants are designed to help those who sacrificed for our country in the past get some much-needed help today.”

County officials said a total of $182,000 is available through the grant provided by the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, but there is a cap of $2,500 per person, including food assistance, which has a $150 limit.

The grants can be used for food, utility, property taxes and personal care expenses. Oakland County residents who were honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, reserves or women’s auxiliariescan apply for the grants here.

“We expect strong interest in this new program,” said Garth Wootten, a division manager with Oakland County veterans services. “The need is there, for the day-to-day living expenses for our veterans have not gone away during the pandemic. We hope these grants make life easier for them as they live through these challenging times.”