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United Way receives $250,000 veterans housing grant; offers free tax prep for eligible households
Summary
Barry County United Way told commissioners it received a $250,000 housing grant for veterans (to be spent over five years) and reported its VITA free tax-preparation program returned more than $1 million to local residents last year; United Way asked commissioners to help share program information with townships and residents.
The Barry County United Way informed the commission that it has been awarded a $250,000 grant to assist veterans with housing costs and that its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program completed more than 760 returns last year, returning over $1 million to county residents.
Lanny Forbes, United Way director, told the committee the agency applied for a $66,000 housing grant and the state offered $250,000 instead, to be spent over five years. Forbes said the funding will be used to assist veterans with rent or mortgage payments, subject to qualifying rules (including residency and documentation requirements); the program uses situational review and fiscal-responsibility checks to evaluate requests. "They approved the 66, said they were going to send us the contract. 3 days later called us and said, Would you take $250,000 instead and do it over 5 years?" Forbes said.
Forbes outlined eligibility guidance in materials provided to commissioners: assistance is for Barry County residents who are veterans and meet asset- and income-limited criteria; the packet lists required documentation such as discharge paperwork. Forbes said the United Way will work with local veteran organizations, posts and its own outreach channels to publicize the program and asked commissioners to share the materials in township and community meetings.
United Way also described its VITA program, which prepares federal and state returns at no charge for households under income thresholds. Forbes said VITA handled more than 760 returns last year, returning in excess of $1,000,000 to county residents, and that United Way schedules appointments across multiple local locations; details are on the United Way site.
Commissioners asked about vetting and decision criteria for the housing funds; Forbes said the application requires proof of veteran status, household income and supporting documents and that United Way staff will review applications and connect recipients to additional services when needed. The grant contract is signed and the program will begin outreach immediately. No county appropriations were requested at the meeting.
