Community Action of Skagit County is the founder, host and on-site partner of the Robert M. Gates Skagit Vets Connect resource center. Community Action has been providing services to veterans since 1992. Over those decades, we heard from vets that benefits and other services are complicated to navigate. They appreciated Community Action’s team’s help in navigating the maze of paperwork, claims, and lengthy processes to get the benefits they earned.
In 2019, a significant gift from Robert and Becky Gates and other donors allowed us to open up a new, designated center just for veterans and their families. The services center is funded by donations and you can contribute by visiting our donation page.
We are honored to host a diverse group of partners who serve veterans and their families with dignity, respect, and a commitment to excellence. Our goal is to increase veteran awareness of all benefits by providing the best advice and assistance in obtaining county, state, and federal benefits. Together with our partners, we help stabilize lives, and increase access to other wellness and career services they may need.
Program Overview
Veterans Assistance Program (Skagit Public Health)
The Veterans Assistance Program is operated by Skagit County Public Health, in partnership with Community Action’s Skagit Vets Connect Program. Veterans Assistance is provided to make sure that the residents of Skagit County, who have honorably served our country, are never forgotten. Upon determining eligibility, the following services may be available to you and/or your family:
- Veterans Document Support
- Disability Compensation and Pension Claims
- Elderly & Disabled Veteran & Widow Programs
- Emergency Assistance
- Other VAF services
Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
We serve veterans experiencing homelessness, partnering with the Veterans Administration and Skagit Housing Authority. The Housing Authority offers Section 8 vouchers while the Veterans Administration covers case management with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Veteran Assistance Funds (VAF)
This is limited emergency funding to eligible veterans and their dependents. Our goal is to assist you through a temporary hardship and move you toward stability.
Types of emergencies financial assistance:
- Food, gas, & clothing
- Utilities with disconnect notice
- Mortgage, rental, security deposit
- Transportation assistance
Other VAF services:
- Discharge documents/DD-214 requests
- Transitional Housing Master Lease
- Case management
- Budgeting
- Referrals and other assistance as appropriate
To qualify for assistance, the following criteria must be met:
- Meet state definition of a veteran:
- a person in the military for at least 6 months, or with a medical discharge
- have a copy of their separation papers (i.e. DD 214),
- Have honorable/general discharge (if you have a “other than honorable” or “bad conduct” discharge, you may be eligible for SSVF)
- Must reside in Skagit County
- Must meet income guidelines
- Other restrictions may apply
For more information please contact the VAF Coordinator at (360) 588-5759 for more information.
County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO)
Department of Washington Service Officer DSO (DAV)
Veterans Document Support
- Military medical record review
- Military personnel record review
- Disability Benefits Administration award letter review
- Verification of service statements
- Enrollment in VA healthcare and eBenefits
Disability Compensation and Pension Claims
- Support as veterans advocate and liaison
- Assist with VA benefits claims process
- Help determine best options for a claim
- Assist with claim tracking progress
- Review additional VA request for action
- Explain VA decision letters
- Provide guidance on submitting decision reviews and appeals
Elderly & Disabled Veteran & Survivor Programs
- Veteran continuous relief
- Provides assistance for aid and attendance benefits
- Provides assistance for housebound benefits
- Assist surviving spouse with burial, disability indemnity compensation and survivor pension
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
We help veterans find and maintain housing, provide case management, and advocate for their needs. This program promotes housing stability among very low-income Veteran families who reside in or are transitioning to permanent housing.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Income Guidelines:
| Household Size | Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $5,104 |
| 2 | $5,833 |
| 3 | $6,562 |
| 4 | $7,291 |
| 5 | $7,875 |
| 6 | $8,458 |
How to Apply
County Veteran Service Officer:
- Skagit Vets Connect (160 Cascade Place Ste 104, Burlington, WA 98233)
- Mondays from 1pm-3pm (except holidays) and Tuesdays 9am-11am
- East County Community Resource Center (45770 Main Street, Concrete, WA 98237)
- 1st Friday of each month from 9 am-3pm
- Anacortes Senior Center (1701 22nd St, Anacortes, WA 98221)
- Last Friday of each month from 9am-3:30pm
DAV Department Services Officer: (360) 588-5156. By appointment and walk-ins for assessments only.
Supportive Services for Veteran Families & Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing: Walk-ins through the Housing Resource Center.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10am-3pm.
Veterans Assistance Fund: Call for appointment (360) 588-5759. Walk-ins for assessment Monday through Friday 9am-3pm.
Resources
Veteran’s Crisis Line (24 hours): 1 (800) 273-8255
Connects Veterans and families in crisis and their families and friends with qualified responders through a confidential toll-free hotline.
Skagit County Veterans Homeless Care Line: (360) 588-5156
Dept of Veterans Affairs Information Line: 1 (800) 827-1000
Access line for VA Benefits Regional Offices, Disability Compensation, Disability Pension Education, Medical Care and more.
