New Lee County Veteran Services announces new monthly outreach in Bonita Springs
The Lee County Veteran Services is offering a new, monthly outreach program in south Lee County from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the first Friday of each month starting Aug. 4 at the Bonita East United Way House, 26820 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, with lead agency Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida.
Lee County Veteran Services counsels and educates veterans, their dependents and survivors on potential benefits available to them from the Department of Veterans Affairs and other government agencies. Assistance with compensation, pensions, education and survivor benefits are just a few of the areas where guidance is offered.
“It is not always easy or convenient for a veteran or family member to travel to the office in downtown Fort Myers,” said Roger Mercado, director of Lee County Human & Veteran Services. “This is a way we can reach people who might otherwise not be able to reach us.”
The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee will partner with Lee County Human and Veteran Services on this project through MISSION UNITED, United Way 211 and our United Way Houses.
“United Way Houses are centralized locations where the community can access a variety of social services and programs,” , said President Cliff Smith.
Veterans, dependents and survivors can make appointments by calling 239-533-8381; walk-ins also are welcome.
The Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services is part of the Lee County Continuum of Care, a group of community stakeholders working to address the needs of the homeless. More than 325 veterans have been housed since January 2015 in partnership with stakeholders including the Lee County Homeless Coalition, the U.S. Office of Veteran Affairs, the Housing Authority of the City of Fort Myers, United Way 211 and MISSION UNITED.
The Lee County Department of Human and Veteran Services serves as a hub for government, private and nonprofit resources designated to aid individuals and families. Specific program areas are: Family Self-Sufficiency, Housing Services, Neighborhood Building, Contract Management and Veteran Services. For more information, call 239-533-7930 or visit www.leegov.com/dhs.
The United Way support a network of 85 agencies in our community and promotes partnerships and collaborations among human service organizations, helping them to work together focusing on issues and solutions that continue to improve lives. To reach United Way 211 or MISSION UNITED, simply dial 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900 or visit www.UnitedWayLee.org.