Clackamas County's Veterans Village has sheltered 148 veterans since it opened, with 72 moving directly into permanent housing, according to a county overview published Nov. 10 ahead of Veterans Day.

The transitional housing community is one piece of a broader support network the county detailed for veterans and their families. About 3,000 people contact the county's Veterans Service Office (VSO) each year for help understanding and applying for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits.

The county also operates Clayton Mohr Commons, a project between Northwest Housing Alternatives and the Housing Authority of Clackamas County (HACC). The complex has 24 fully subsidized units for chronically homeless veterans and their families. A separate Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program, administered by HACC, pairs rent subsidies with VA case management.

Green Light designation

The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the county a "Green Light for Veterans County" during the week before Veterans Day, according to the county. Vice Chair Martha Schrader highlighted the initiative at the board's Oct. 22 meeting, noting that county buildings and other sites would glow green to support veterans and raise awareness of services.

The effort is part of Operation Green Light for Veterans, a nationwide campaign led by the National Association of Counties. Residents and businesses were encouraged to swap one outside light for a green bulb from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11.

"Our veterans deserve a lot, and the county helps them get the benefits they are entitled to," Gus Bedwell, Clackamas County veteran services manager, said in a statement reported by the Mountain Times. "But this is a chance for our whole community to show them the gratitude they deserve."

Crisis line and workforce help

The county's Veterans Advisory Council is focused on raising awareness of veteran suicide risk. The council is distributing materials to rural businesses promoting the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1.

A Veterans Workforce Program provides career planning and case management to help veterans find jobs and advance.

How to reach the VSO

The Veterans Service Office operates by appointment only. Wait times are four to five weeks because of higher demand tied to recent VA changes, the office said.

Walk-ins are not available.

Veterans can call 503-650-5631 or email [email protected]. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m.

Even veterans previously denied benefits may now qualify, the office noted, because VA eligibility rules change over time.

The county's online Military and Veterans Guide lists additional programs covering transportation, energy assistance and money management.