Often veterans are underserved and limited in accessing help due to handicaps, economic issues or inability to get through what can be confusing and a complicated process. Widows and family members of military personnel (e.g., deployed, retired or deceased) are also in need of a facility where they will be understood and their needs, issues, and benefits addressed and resolved. This facility will cover the entire west-end of the Treasure Valley, including Canyon, Gem, Payette, Owyhee, Malheur and Washington counties where there are limited programs and services or no facility of this nature at all. The facility will support every veterans’ organization in this area. Through collaboration, the Veterans Council will leverage a multitude of government and private resources, partner with the City of Caldwell, Mission 43, VETS 4 Success, VET Center, Boise Rescue Mission, National Veterans Service Officers, Idaho Department of Veteran Services and a number of other community and area service organizations to provide a facility for access to programs and services for veterans and their families. Particularly important will be our partnership with the Idaho Department of Veterans Service that will provide a Veterans Service Officer, statistics show that 75-90% of all claims presented to the Veterans Administration each year originate with a Veterans’ Service Officer.

In addition to the services provided by the Veteran Service Officer a partnership with a variety of providers offering sessions for career enhancement, fitness and social events, service projects, training, and social interaction will become a regularly scheduled opportunity. Counseling will be offered by the VETCenter for veterans and their family members by appointment two to three days a week at the hall. There are other regional organizations that will partner with the completed CVMH. The Boise Rescue Mission and Lighthouse offer services to veterans of all ages in need. Every year, hundreds of veterans are provided with shelter and meals. The VETS4Success organization will help with outreach to veterans during times of crisis. This local nonprofit organization provides employment opportunities for military veterans and their families. And, the regional VA Medical Center in Boise offers a wide range of services to veterans and their families including but not limited to dental care, medical services, and education assistance. The VA also refers families to programs for military children where they can be connected to a wide range of resiliency building programs (e.g., recreational, social, and educational programs).