Resources

Learn about education programs and compare benefits by school.

What is military sexual trauma counseling?

Military sexual trauma counseling may include individual or group counseling, marital and family counseling, referral for benefits assistance, liaison with community agencies or substance abuse information and referral to help you deal with the emotions of military sexual trauma and regain confidence in your everyday life.

Am I eligible for military sexual trauma counseling?

Any Veteran, or Service member to include members of the National Guard and Reserve forces, who was sexually traumatized while serving in the military is eligible to receive counseling regardless of gender or era of service.

Where are services available?

Assessment and referral for MST-related counseling is available at all Vet Centers. Onsite counseling is available at selected Vet Centers across the country. In addition, MST-related medical and mental health services are available at your local VA Medical Center and can be accessed by contacting the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator or your existing VA healthcare provider.

Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program (Blue Mountain Action Council)
(509)529-4980  www.bmacww.org    
roseb@bmacww.org (Rose Berg) or laural@bmacww.org (Laura Lebowski)

Application https://ferry-county.com/Other_Depts/Veterans/VAB%20Application%20Final%2020180918.pdf 

Veterans' Relief Fund

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW 73.08) requires all 39 counties to establish a Veterans' Relief Fund.

The Veterans' Relief Fund may be able to help with rent, utilities, food, and other needs.

This is a fund of last resort and in no way can it be construed as a veteran's benefit. 

All applications must be filed with local service officers at veteran support organizations.  Please contact your local service officer to discuss making an application.

To apply for assistance from Grays Harbor County Veterans' Relief Fund, you must have been honorably discharged, have been a resident of Grays Harbor County for at least 6 months, and have income below 150% of the Federal Poverty Level.

When contacting service officers, it may be helpful to bring:

• a copy of your DD-214

• proof of residency

• proof of income

• any shut-off or eviction notices requiring payment

If you are denied assistance or feel that you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file an appeal and request that a full explanation of the reasons why you were denied assistance be put in writing.

Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs): 

Bainbridge Island

Helpline House

282 Knechtel Way NE
Hours: Mon. thru Fri. 9 am to 5 pm
Call 206.842.7621 for appointment

Bremerton

DAV, Chapter 5; 360.373.2397

2315 Burwell Avenue
Hours: Mon. thru Wed. 9 am to 4 pm
Ask for service officer

VFW Post 239; 360.377.6739
190 S. Dora Avenue
Hours: Mon. 1pm to 4 pm; Wed. Noon to 2 pm
Ask for service officer

Port Orchard

VFW Post 2669; 360.876.2669
736 Bay Street
Hours: Tues. Noon to 4 pm
Ask for service officer

Poulsbo

American Legion Post 245
19068 Jensen Way
Thursdays 10 am to 3 pm

Silverdale

VFW 4992; Call 360.692.4992 for appointment
9981 Central Valley Road

American Legion Post 109; Call 360.649.3663 for appointment

Suquamish

Suquamish Tribe Veterans Office; Call 360.394.8515 for appointment
18490 Suquamish Way NE
Hours: Tues., Wed. 10 am to 2 pm

Suquamish Warriors Vets Center

6353 NE Middle Street. 360.626.1080
Hours: Thursdays 9 am to 3 pm

Pacific County is grateful for the opportunity to support our Veterans who have served our country with honor.  The Veterans Assistance Program offers temporary financial assistance.

To apply for assistance, contact your local Veterans Post or Veteran Service Officer:

• American Legion Post 150 - 221 Duryea, Raymond 98577 - Contact: 360/942-3034

• American Legion Post 48 - PO Box 686, Ilwaco 98624 - Contact: Teresa Bryan - 360/642-2041              

• VFW Post 3721 - 318 N 2nd, Long Beach 98631 - Contact: 360/642-1228

• VFW Post 968 - 131 Duryea St, Raymond 98577 - Contact: 360/942-3082

See Policies and Procedures for eligibility guidelines. 

For questions regarding the program, please contact Veterans Services Clerk, Amanda Bennett, Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:30pm at (360) 875-9334.

County Services for County Veterans

The Veterans Bureau administers the Veterans' Assistance Fund as mandated by State Law to provide emergency relief to indigent veterans residing in Pierce County. The purpose of the Veteran's Assistance Fund is to provide emergency assistance to qualified veterans in need. It is funded by Pierce County using property tax dollars. We are not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and assistance is provided on an emergency need basis only. 

Partnerships

We also partner with other agencies and organizations to act as a central collection point for the veteran community. 

• The Pierce County Veterans Bureau has the right to verify all information on any application and to share information with other counties to establish statistical data and prevent fraud.
• Assistance is provided in the form of vouchers only. No cash is provided.
• Non-receipt of checks (VA, Social Security, Military Retainer, etc.) is not considered automatic entitlement to assistance.
• The purpose of the Veterans Assistance Fund is to provide emergency assistance to qualified veterans in need and is funded by Pierce County using property tax dollars. We are not part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and assistance is provided on an emergency need basis only.

For More Information

For more information about services offered by the Veterans Bureau, call us at (253) 798-7449 or toll free at 1 (800) 992-2456.