Amy Lynch, program assistant in the Dunn County Veterans Service Office, updated the Health and Human Services Board on Oct. 23 about local, state and federal veterans services and recent outreach.

Lynch said the office works closely with Project Hope and HUD-VASH social workers to prevent veteran homelessness and assists with rent and security deposits. The office participated in outreach events including a Pipefitters Union event and will take part in Veterans Day programming at Neighbors of Dunn County and the Menominee Senior Center on Nov. 11.

On benefits and finances, Lynch reported retroactive payments for September totaling $61,495.09. She said the office used relief funds to assist with utility disconnects and initial move-in costs and has seen an increase in assistance requests, though staff do not anticipate a fiscal-year budget shortfall.

Lynch also called attention to disruptions caused by a partial federal government shutdown: she said some Veterans Administration services have been temporarily suspended, including the transition assistance program, the GI Bill hotline and regional benefits office services (the Milwaukee regional benefits office is noted as the only VISN regional office in Wisconsin). Lynch asked that the board note those service interruptions and coordinate communications.

The board thanked Lynch for the report and asked staff to continue to document local need and to help publicize upcoming scams-and-fraud education and other outreach events for veterans and seniors.