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Veterans services reports declining caseloads, seeks van-driver hire to restore transport services
Summary
Director Christopher Gomes said demand for veterans services tied to older cohorts has fallen, reducing some expense categories. Gomes said the office needs a part-time van driver (30 hours/week) but has struggled to fill the role; he also described training and accreditation work that preserves VA claim services.
Christopher Gomes, director of Veteran Services, told the City Council the office has worked to be a "one-stop shop" for veterans seeking benefits and that the caseload for traditional Chapter 115 aid has declined as World War II, Korean and Vietnam-era veterans age out of the program.
Gomes said the overall number of veterans using city services has fallen and that state changes to eligibility (the HERO Act) may increase eligibility for a small number of additional veterans. He said that while expenditures have decreased, the office remains ready to serve and has maintained accreditation needed to prepare VA claims.
Gomes said the department has an open part-time van-driver position (about 30 hours per week) used to transport veterans to VA appointments; he said more than 30 applicants applied but many were not qualified (some lacked required driver's licenses). The position has been difficult to fill and the office is interviewing candidates. Gomes said in the interim veterans have relied on family members or VA transport for appointments.
Councilors asked for historical expenditure data and background on the vacant van-driver position; Gomes said the role had been filled in prior years and that the office is actively recruiting, seeking candidates with appropriate licenses and prior experience transporting veterans on highways and across state lines.
