WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY | Grant money means help on the way for veterans with legal woes

Grant money means help on the way for veterans with legal woes

By Carrie Weil - bio | email

LOUISVILLE (WAVE) - Legal help is on the way for low-income veterans across Kentucky. The Bluegrass is one of four states to secure a $79,000 federal grant from the Legal Services Corporation.

The grant comes as a result of efforts by Kentucky Congressman John Yarmuth, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs and the Legal Aid Society. All want veterans to know they don't have to face legal troubles alone.

Jeff Been, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society, says a third of all Kentucky veterans don't get the legal help they need and the problems are many.

"Evictions, foreclosures, access to medical care, government benefits to which they are entitled, facing consumer debts and dealing with domestic violence," Been said. "For some veterans, these issues are compounded as they struggle with service connected disabilities."

Part of the money will go towards upgrading technology to give veterans better access to help and understanding the law. It will also create stronger partnerships between the Legal Aid Society and veterans organizations.

"With this grant, it sends the message to our veteran community that we will accept you for who you are, we will meet you where you're at," said George Lee, a veteran who sits on the Board of Directors of the Legal Aid Society. "et the healing begin."

This is a one-time grant, and some of the money will be slated to upgrade technology and give veterans better access to help understanding the law.

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