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Veterans nonprofit RuckUp asks Cheshire County for $20,000; commissioners agree to split funding pending paperwork
Summary
RuckUp told commissioners it provided nearly $94,000 in direct aid last year and sought $20,000 emergency support; the board agreed in principle to provide $10,000 now from the Hemingway Fund and pursue $10,000 from opioid funds/delegation approval later.
RuckUp, a volunteer‑run veterans nonprofit, presented to Cheshire County commissioners March 12 seeking short‑term financial support.
Chris Maker, identified as RuckUp’s president, and AJ Page, counseling director, described the group's outreach, counseling and advocacy work and said RuckUp provided roughly $93,657 in direct assistance last year to help veterans and families with housing and critical needs. Page said the organization helps veterans navigate VA and Social Security claims and runs peer support groups and counseling programs.
Page told the commission, "Literally, last year alone, okay, we pushed out our doors $93,657, keeping vets and their families or putting vets and their families in their homes." The presenters said they rely on donations and grants and asked the county for a one‑time $20,000 bridge payment while they complete other funding steps.
Commissioners discussed three funding paths: the Hemingway Fund (which the board can authorize directly), opioid‑abatement funds (which require delegation approval), and an outside‑agency application process for continued support. After staff and commissioners discussed balances and timing — including testimony that the county currently holds roughly $388,000 in opioid funds with no earmarks and that Hemingway funds were on the order of $100,000 — the board agreed to a split approach: $10,000 now from the Hemingway Fund and a plan to seek the remaining $10,000 via the opioid fund and delegation approval. Staff will prepare paperwork and present the request to the delegation.
The support is a one‑time, short‑term measure; if RuckUp seeks recurring county funding in future years it would be expected to apply as an outside agency and supply budgets and documentation.
