Flags line the park at Dayville during a 2011 celebration.

JOHN DAY — Veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness can now apply for supportive assistance locally.

There are $45,500 in funds available through the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program.

“It’s a great program,” said Veanne Weddle who is assisting veterans who’d like to apply for the funding. “There’s a lot of money there, if we can find people who qualify to spend it on.”

Services for those who qualify include: rental assistance, utility-fee payment assistance, deposits (security or utility), moving costs, transportation (public transportation or car repairs), general housing stability assistance and emergency housing assistance.

Eligibility requirements include:

• Head of household, or spouse of head of household, must be a veteran.

• Household annual income cannot exceed 50 percent of the Baker and Grant county median income.

For Grant County, that amount is $18,200 for one person, $20,800 for two or $23,400 for three.

• Household must be homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless.

Homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless is defined as one of the following:

• At risk of losing permanent housing.

• Residing in a “double up” situation.

• Currently living in a shelter or other transitional housing program serving the homeless.

• Fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence.

Though the funds are available for veterans of all ages, Weddle is handling the grant through her position as the Grant County senior programs director.

She also handles other housing programs through Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, Inc.

“I have all the other housing programs. If they’re not a veteran, they can call me about the other housing programs,” she said. “It’s great that there’s finally something for our vets at a local level. It’s determined at a much lower eligibility.”

For more information, including documentation required, contact Weddle at 541-575-2949.