Lives of low-income families and former military personnel in King County “are improving” as a result of about $7 million in assistance through a countywide levy approved nearly three years ago by voters.
County officials, in an annual report this month on progress of the veterans and human services levy, said that in addition to more housing for the homeless, levy dollars improved access to post-traumatic stress disorder and other counseling services for veterans and their families, enhanced programs and services for poor families with young children, and increased availability for in-home treatment for seniors who suffer depression.
The services are the result of of a ballot measure passed in November 2005 that will generate more than $13 million annually for six years to help veterans, their families and others. The money is also for regional health and human services, including housing, preventing homelessness, treatment and employment assistance.
“The lives of homeless veterans and aging veterans and their families and others who have fallen on hard times are improving because King County voters wanted them to have shelter and the services needed to improve their health and stability,” said County Executive Ron Sims.
The county’s veterans program expanded basic services such as food, transportation and housing assistance. It also links veterans to employment and training services and assistance in the south King County area. Through an expanded contract with the state Department of Veterans Affairs, the county increased post-traumatic stress disorder counseling by 3,000 hours and reserved an additional 28 shelter beds for veterans.
The levy also has supported homeless prevention services. Last year, $7 million was earmarked for housing for veterans, their families and other low-income households countywide, officials said.
William Wood, a Vietnam War veteran and vice-chairman of a citizens’ board that oversees the levy’s veteran-oriented benefits, said “”our men and women returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan” are receiving better services to “help them and their families achieve and maintain stable lives.”
