Resources
24/7 Crisis Phone Lines
Veterans Crisis Line
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
US Dept. Veterans Affairs
1-800-273-TALK (8255) | 988
Military OneSource (MOS)
Solution-Focused Counseling
Free, confidential counseling for our veterans!
1-800-342-9647
Benton and Franklin Counties have numerous resources that are available to our Veterans in addition to other Federal and State programs. Please explore the list of resources below, which might be useful for veterans in need of services as well as for service providers who see Veterans.
Columbia Basin Veteran Center
Matt Sammons, Executive Director
Main: 509-545-6558
Transitional Housing Case Manager
Raymond Pursley - (509) 975-8004
Veteran Service Officer
John Lefebvre
Benton/Franklin VSO
Office: 509-545-6558 ext.223
Cell: 509-873-1724
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Common Ground Support Group – Kim Rodgers (509) 526-8387 or (509) 386-6813
For Women Veterans, by Women Veterans, About Women Veterans.
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WDVA PTSD Counseling Program (800) 562-2308
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Alcoholics Anonymous (509) 547-9000
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Administration (509) 735-1296
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Catholic Family & Child Services (509) 946-4645
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Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties
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Narcotics Anonymous (509) 546-8244
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Walla Walla Vet Center for Combat/Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Counseling (509) 526-8387
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Washington Al-Anon (Search by city)
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24 Hour Crisis Line & Shelter (509) 582-9841
SSVF Blue Mountain Action Council (BMAC) (509) 529-4980
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The Dept of Housing and Urban Development & VA's Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program
Steven Nelson (509) 525-5200 x26284
Jill Jawers (509) 525-5200
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Benton Franklin Department of Human Services (CES) (509) 737-3946
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CAC Emergency Shelter and Eviction Prevention Services (509) 545-4042
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Tri-City Union Gospel Mission (509) 547-2112
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VA Home Loan Eligibility (888) 487-1970
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Homes 4 Wounded Heroes (210) 615-8973
Benton County Veterans Assistance Fund
Benton County Department of Human Services
Tara Colburn Veterans Program Specialist
509-737-3912
7102 W Okanogan Pl. Ste 201
Kennewick, WA 99336
The county program has had a long standing of assisting indigent Veterans and their family with emergency needs through the Veterans Relief Fund. We provide outreach and case management.
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We are here to provide local and personal contact for county Veterans and their family to help address any of their questions, concerns, and issues, and to provide basic information they may need to get veterans assistance. Many Veterans are not always aware of benefits and services that may be available through federal, state, and local services. It is our goal to see every returning Veteran and their family provided with the support they need and deserve for their service to our county.
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Assistance Available to Eligible Veterans:
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Food Vouchers
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Utility Vouchers
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Rental/Deposits/App Fees
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Burial Assistance up to $1,000.00
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Background check fees for pre-employment
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Hotel/Motel Vouchers for homeless Veterans up to 1 week
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Bus Passes through BFT
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Necessary Safety Equipment required by employer to gain employment
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Dental Assistance up to $2,000.00
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Childcare Assistance (financial help with childcare)
Please bring all required documents to the services times to be screened for assistance.
Minimum Qualifications:
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Must be a Benton County Resident for at least 90 days (unless recently discharged)
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Must be at or below 150% of the poverty guidelines (low-income)
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Must be in need of assistance
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Must be a Veteran
Documents Required for Screening:
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Copy of DD214
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Photo ID
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Proof of income
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Proof of current residency of Benton County; must be resident for at least 90 days unless recently discharged
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Proof of household size
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Lease and/or 14 day Pay or Vacate Notice
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(Widows/widowers) Marriage license and Veteran’s death certificate