Veteran Services Spotlight

Liz Keck, LICSW, MSW, ACM: The Lighthouse of Southern MN

Veteran Services: Support, Guidance, and Resources for Those Who Served

Recently, Ashley, our Program Director for the Men’s Program, and I were reviewing the case management interventions for one of our unhoused guests.  Ashley shared with me the number of attempts this individual had made to maintain employment, but despite his best efforts, the symptoms of mental health continued to interfere with his ability to maintain employment.   As we discussed the need for a stable income to begin the process of establishing housing for our guest, we reviewed that our guest identified as a Veteran.   I quickly reminded Ashley that connecting with the Steele County Veteran Services may help our guest establish disability status and, subsequently, a disability payment that can be used toward long-term housing.

Veteran Services play an essential role in helping service members, veterans, and their families access the benefits, care, and support they have earned. From health care and disability compensation to education, housing, transportation, and survivor assistance, these programs are designed to make the transition to civilian life smoother and to provide long-term support when it is needed most. Recent VA updates also highlight faster benefits processing, expanded employment and training pathways, and continued outreach on housing, education, and survivor protections.

One of the most important first steps for many veterans is connecting with a local service office. In Minnesota, every county has a County Veterans Service Officer, or CVSO, who helps veterans and eligible family members understand and apply for both state and federal benefits. These officers provide guidance on claims, health and disability benefits, housing support, education, and other programs, and often serve as the best starting point for veterans unsure where to begin. CVSOs are specifically described as the first place to go for help with state and federal veterans’ benefits.

For local residents, Steele County Veteran Services offers one-on-one help with VA benefits and veteran resources. The office assists with federal benefits, including disability claims, death benefits, survivors' pension information, education and training support, and guidance on the GI Bill and Tricare. It also connects veterans with state-level resources through the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Veterans Homes, and local relief options. According to the county’s official information, the office also offers a Veterans Relief Fund for local hardship situations and free weekday transportation from Steele County Veteran Services to the VA hospital in Minneapolis.

Veterans may also find support in several key areas that can have a major impact on quality of life. Health care and mental health services remain a priority, particularly as many veterans continue to face barriers such as long wait times and travel distance for specialized care. Employment and training support are also growing, with VA newsletters highlighting apprenticeships and other pathways into high-demand industries such as skilled trades, manufacturing, and maritime careers. Housing assistance, home loan guidance, and survivor protections are also important parts of the support network available to veterans and their families.

The most important message is simple: veterans do not have to navigate these systems alone. Whether someone is filing a new claim, appealing a decision, seeking transportation to an appointment, or simply trying to understand which benefits may be available, local and national resources are available to help. For many, the best next step is to contact Steele County Veteran Services or connect with a CVSO to learn more about the support available.