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Veterans affairs reports $500,000 SAFE funds, warns of federal VA uncertainty
Summary
Cass County Veterans Affairs staff reported receipt of $500,000 in state SAFE funds and described ongoing uncertainty at the Fargo VA and among veterans over potential benefit changes tied to federal actions.
A Veterans Affairs representative told the commission the office received $500,000 in state SAFE funds and outlined local plans for distributing assistance to veterans, but also warned of continuing uncertainty at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that could affect benefits and access to care.
The presenter said the $500,000 was part of statewide funds allocated across North Dakota counties and that other state programs and trust funds will also provide assistance to veterans. The speaker said the county’s plan could include working with community partners to pay first month’s rent or deposits for veterans and that the office is coordinating a second annual stand‑down event to connect veterans with services.
The presenter said the local office maintains a by‑name list of roughly 40 veterans experiencing homelessness and that the county’s records include about 17,600 veterans or dependents for benefit tracking purposes. The speaker said the county’s veterans program is the only department that brings revenue into county coffers via benefits administration.
On the federal VA, the presenter described low morale and staff changes at the Fargo VA and said claims and appeals are taking longer. “Some people are scared right now losing their benefits,” the presenter said, and noted that proposed changes to priority groups and federal reconciliation efforts were creating uncertainty for veterans and staff.
The presenter asked for patience from claimants and described ongoing outreach and partner coordination including donated goods and meal support for a stand‑down event. No commission votes or directives were reported during the update.
