Troy — A volunteer who coordinates church outreach asked the Human Relations Commission to help churches partner on veteran support and described how recent state rules reduced the number of veterans eligible for food-box deliveries from about 30 to six.

Joanie Goodermuth, who identified herself as an outreach chair at Trinity Episcopal Church, told the commission she and a neighbor deliver food boxes to local veterans who lack transportation. She said the state purchases food-boxes through the pantry and that recent changes in eligibility cut recipients sharply; “we went from, like, 30 some to 6,” she said, and added that if veterans can come to the pantry in person “they would give them the food for free.” Goodermuth offered volunteers to drive veterans to the pantry and urged the commission to coordinate with churches on outreach.

Goodermuth also described the Miami Valley Veterans Museum’s “wall of veterans,” which displays 8-by-10 photographs of local service members. Commission members said the museum accepts framed photos and artifacts for display and noted the museum also curates a 9/11 memorial artifact. A commissioner suggested the museum’s monthly veterans’ breakfast as a place to introduce veterans to the display.

Commissioners and staff suggested inviting Goodermuth and other church volunteers to the Beloved Community subcommittee so that faith-based outreach and veteran-support activities could be coordinated. The commission agreed to collect contact information and extend invitations to subcommittee meetings.

Ending — Commission staff said they would follow up with Goodermuth to invite her to the subcommittee and to clarify what volunteer coordination the city can provide while respecting limits on government involvement in religious activities.