McLennan County’s veterans services officer is applying for a $185,000 grant from the Texas Veterans Commission that will be used to create new programs to help ex-military members facing financial struggles, homelessness and transportation issues.

Veterans Services Officer Steve Hernandez began preparing a proposal last week for a grant from the commission to address local veterans’ needs.

He said he frequently gets requests from veterans or veterans advocacy groups for assistance with food, clothing and rental assistance.

He also receives calls from disabled or elderly veterans needing transportation to the Waco and Temple Veterans Affairs medical centers.

“We are experiencing some growth at the Waco (Veterans Affairs) Healthcare Center, which I believe will translate to an influx of veterans and their families coming to McLennan County,” Hernandez said.

“Also, with the emphasis being placed on mental health, I believe the effects of that — homelessness, addiction and other social issues — will be directed towards the county to address.”

The Texas Veterans Commission’s Fund for Veterans Assistance, funded primarily by the Texas Veterans Cash scratch-off lottery ticket, awards grants to organizations statewide that help veterans and their families.

The commission will issue $3 million in grants, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $1 million.

Hernandez proposes setting up a fund for veterans’ emergency needs; purchasing a van and wheelchair lift to create a transportation program exclusively for veterans; establishing a housing assistance program for homeless veterans; and creating a network of attorneys, accountants and other consultants to help veterans with financial and estate planning.

The county commissioners court authorized a letter of intent outlining the need and proposed use for the funds. The commission will review the submissions and mail grant applications to selected entrants.

The court Tuesday also:

*  Voted to keep the courthouse insurance at the current replacement value of $13.9 million instead of opting to upgrade coverage to $28 million in historic reproduction insurance in the event that the 108-year-old building is destroyed. Increasing the coverage would have cost the county an additional $24,842 in premiums per year.

*  Authorized a change to the vacation policy for the sheriff’s office to grant all staff members up to a year to take holiday vacation time instead of the current 90-day grace period.

The Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Association of McLennan County raised the issue to the court that deputies have been losing holiday time because they would work overtime on holidays and not have time to take the holiday vacation within 90 days.

*  Set a public hearing for 5:15 p.m. March 25 in the commissioners courtroom for public comment on the proposed construction project at Aquilla Creek in West to halt the erosion of Rogers Hill Road.

rdennis@wacotrib.com

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