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County veterans officer outlines new federal CVSO grant, proposes "Veterans Corner" outreach
Summary
Oktibbeha County veterans officer presented a recently passed federal act that creates new federal funding opportunities for county veterans service officers and proposed a regular "Veterans Corner" to publicize benefits. Staff offered grant-writing support and supervisors agreed to pursue opportunities when the Notice of Funding Opportunity is released.
Miss Hobson, the county's veterans officer, told the Board of Supervisors that a federal act passed this year expands caregiver support and creates a federal grant opportunity to supplement county CVSO (county veterans service officer) services.
"Each state will have opportunity to get the 2,000,000 in grant money that's gonna be in place for 2 years," Miss Hobson said, describing the program as a new federal augmentation to existing county-funded CVSO work. She said the program includes grant funds to help counties that previously lacked resources to support veteran outreach and benefits assistance.
Why it matters: County officials said CVSO offices typically operate on limited funding and that a federal grant could pay for outreach or staff time to help veterans apply for benefits, obtain caregiver support, and access other VA services. Hobson proposed a monthly "Veterans Corner" in county communications to highlight new benefits, burial changes, and local help resources.
Supervisors and staff discussed next steps and offered help with applications. One supervisor recommended coordinating with Phyllis at the regional development authority (GTPDD) for grant-writing assistance. "When the notice of funding opportunity is published, come talk to me. We'll put together a strategy," a supervisor said.
Board action and follow-up: The board acknowledged Hobson's report by motion. Hobson said she would prepare a packaged summary and eligibility materials for county staff and bring a draft of the Veterans Corner for publication. Supervisors asked staff to notify them when the grant notice is released so the county can prepare an application and coordinate writing help.
What remains unresolved: Hobson described eligibility and program features in general terms and said full details will appear in the Notice of Funding Opportunity; she committed to returning with precise eligibility and application materials. The board did not vote on any specific allocation of matching funds or staffing changes at the meeting.
