East Michigan News

Michigan’s new County Veteran Service Fund Emergency Relief program is allowing counties from the Upper Peninsula to the southeastern corner of the state to help out their brave men and women who have served in the U.S. armed forces.

As of June 9, the CVSF-ER funding has earmarked approximately $1.1 million for 12 counties, while eight counties are slated to receive an additional $253,819 in the emergency relief assistance.

Sixteen other counties are either participating or plan to participate in a CVSF-ER grocery voucher program for veterans through the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA).

TV6Fox reported that the emergency funding can assist veterans affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the mid-Michigan flooding event of last month.

MVAA Director Zaneta Adams told TV6Fox that the state’s veterans who normally struggle to find benefits now have a lifeline.

“For those counties that opt in, veterans of all eras can take advantage of emergency funding opportunities in their respective counties, while also becoming more familiar with resources that are available to them and their families,” she told TV6Fox. “No matter which era they served in, they deserve support when they need it the most, especially during these trying and uncertain times.”

Calhoun, Gladwin, Gogebic, Iosco, Kent, Marquette, Midland, Missaukee, Muskegon, Oakland, Wayne and Wexford Counties have received CVSF-ER funding, while Cheboygan, Eaton, Genesee, Ionia, Isabella, Kalamazoo, Mecosta and Roscommon were still navigating the application process, as of this writing.

Counties have until June 30 to apply. They can contact the MVAA’s Karen Rowlader for more information at rowladerk@michigan.gov or call 517-243-7675.

“In Michigan, we consider those who have served and those presently serving to be ‘members for life,’ and the MVAA is that resource to provide support, care, advocacy and service to veterans and their families as they navigate their journey,” Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, told TV6Fox.