One-stop-benefits-shop available for Washington County seniors and veterans

HILLSBORO, Ore. -- Approximately 60 percent of veterans, seniors, and persons with disabilities are not receiving the benefits to which they are entitled. The result may be poor nutrition, past due medical bills, and utility shut-offs. Washington County's Benefits Enrollment Center, a program of Disability, Aging and Veteran Services, is a one-stop-benefits-shop that can help.

In the past year, the Center has screened more than 500 people for eligibility for food stamps, property tax relief, Medicaid, home energy assistance and other programs. The day-to-day work of the Center is completed almost entirely by volunteers who meet with individuals where it is most convenient for the person seeking help. ?

"Most of the time people don't know what benefits are available to them or they can't make it to an office," said program coordinator Linda Sneddon. "Paperwork and documentation can be difficult. This program removes barriers for many of these people."

In a thank you letter, a client's daughter wrote, "Without your intervention, my parents wouldn't be receiving attention to critical services needed. It will be great to begin accessing services and living beyond a crisis stage. One year of crisis is more than enough. I believe the services people have shared with us reflect a nicer quality of life for my family."

To learn more about volunteering in this program, contact Rebecca Tabra, Program Educator, at 503-846-3087. To request help, call 503-846-3060.

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