Local veterans program gets ready to make a big switch

PENDER, Neb.-- A northeast Nebraska program is planning out the next year after they received over 300 thousand dollars to help veterans.

Northeast Nebraska Community Action Partnership is a member of the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.

“Our budget for the next year is a little under $385,000, that covers all the temporary financial assistance and all the operational expenses,” Program Coordinator Michael Heavrin said.

The organization serves 14 counties in Northeast Nebraska. They help pay rent, utilities, offset moving costs, provide childcare, and can help with deposits to secure housing for most low income veterans.

“In a time of need, instead of their pride ever trying to be able to get in the way, they can let it down and then they can come in and get their help. If they let their pride get in their way they can stumble even farther.” Case Manager Travis Bales said.

The community action partnership is planning to use some of the money this year to switch their system from paper files to electronic.

The program has used paper files since 2013 that require the veteran to sit, sign, and answer questions for hours.

“The paper files for this program are pretty extensive. The application itself is over 70 pages.” Heavrin said.

Bales said some of the paperwork is repetitive and no veteran wants to say they need help more than once.

Bringing in a new system will allow for the veterans in northeast Nebraska to more easily get the help they need.