The board members of the Southfield Veterans' Commission can be reached at
(248) 796-4VET (4838) or in writing at
Southfield Veterans' Commission
City of Southfield
P.O. Box 2055
Southfield MI 48037-2055
southfieldvets@cityofsouthfield.com
Updated 1/3/08
"Veterans History Project" The Southfield Veterans' Commission is currently working with the Library of Congress and the Southfield Public Library gathering interviews for the American History Series. We are asking all veterans to share their stories with everyone across the country. Currently interviews are being done every Wednesday afternoon at the Southfield Library. The veteran also receives a copy of the interview for their own family record on DVD. You do not need to be a Southfield resident to participate in this program. Veterans wishing to be interviewed need to contact us to schedule a date and time at the above phone number or email address so that the necessary paperwork can get started. You will need to sign a release form for the Library of Congress, the Southfield Public Library, complete a bio form, etc. More information on the Veterans History Project can be found at www.loc.gov/vets.
"Veteran Housing Project" Are you a disabled or a low income veteran and having problems cutting the weeds in your backyard, fixing a leaking sink, need a wheelchair ramp installed, etc. The Oakland County chapter of the Rebuilding Together program may be able to help. Their volunteers will come to your house, cut your weeds, fix that leak, build you a wheelchair ramp. For more information go to http://www.rebuildingtogether.org/content/organization/detail/743/ or call Mr. Jerry McKay at 248-889-5450.
"Detroit Veterans Center" The Detroit Veterans Center works with all homeless veterans in SE Michigan. They provide shelter, food, job training, substance abuse control, and counselling. The Southfield Veterans' Commission is working with the Veterans Center in providing clothing, bedding, etc. The center is always looking for assistance and contributions. As an approved Michigan Homeless Shelter your donation will qualify for a 50% credit on your state taxes (check with your tax preparer). For more information call them at 313-831-5500 or go to: http://www.michiganveteransfoundation.org/
"Doing Business With the State of Michigan" If you are over a 50% disabled veteran, and own your own business, you are entitled to bidding preferences on state of Michigan contracts, both thru the Department of Management & Budget & MiDOT. The Southfield Veterans' Commission will be hosting a seminar sponsored by the State of Michigan this June on how to bid on state contracts. Check back here for seminar date. To get more information now on how to do business with the State of Michigan you can go to: http://www.michigan.gov/doingbusiness/0,1607,7-146-6579-123519--,00.html
"Social Security Benefits for Wounded Veterans" If you are a disabled veteran, and receiving benefits from the VA, you may still be entitled to extra benefits from the Social Security Administration. For more information check with the Social Security Administration local office or go to: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors/
"Free Tuition for Returning Vets" Western Michigan University's trustees have initiated a Returning Veterans Tuition Assistance Program designed to help recently discharged veterans with the cost of college. The program waives tuition for the first semester on campus. The current cost for a semester of tuition for a typical full time student is $3,088. Eligible veterans must begin school at Western Michigan University within six months of discharge from active duty for purposes other than training. Contact Western Michigan University for more information.
"Combat Veterans Program" The John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit will soon start a program to aid combat veterans from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars. This support will include assistance with readjustment to life after deployment, support groups, assessment and treatment of PTSD, couple and family counseling, etc. If you feel this program might be of benefit to you or a family member please call the program coordinator Ms Kelly White at 313-576-1000, ext 63519, or program social worker Ms Christina Hall at 313-576-1000, ext 64962.
