We owe a great debt to all our United States veterans. These brave men and women put everything on the line to serve us—when they return from duty it’s our job at Cuyahoga County to serve them. That’s why we have special programs to accommodate veterans all across our local government.

Adjusting to Civilian Life

The Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission (CCVSC) is the most comprehensive resource for veterans who need help meeting their basic needs or transitioning to civilian life. Services they offer include help with:

• Rent/mortgage
• Utility bills
• Food
• Clothing and hygiene
• VA medical transportation
• Military records
• Memorials
• Disability
• Survivor pensions

Finding Employment

Local veterans can also take advantage of programs offered by the state, including Ohio Means Jobs which has unique services for veterans, including:

• Help building civilian resumes
• Advice for translating military experience to college credit
• A Database of military-friendly employers and veteran-owned businesses
• Veteran-specific job fairs and career expos

Federal funding is awarded to the County through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. OhioMeansJobs|Cleveland-Cuyahoga County manages the delivery of employment and training services and monitors their performance based on clear outcome goals. Cuyahoga County is the fiscal agent approving these contracted services.

Ending Homelessness

Sometimes adjustment to civilian life is difficult and veteran’s find themselves in dire straits -- homeless or in our justice system. The County is committed to ending veteran homelessness by 2020. We’ve partnered with organizations like Stella Maris to provide temporary housing and substance abuse treatment for homeless veterans—helping them stay off the streets and transition to permanent housing. These efforts are working: between 2014 and 2017 veteran homelessness was reduced by 62 percent.

Navigating the Justice System

On the judicial side of County government, former and active duty military personnel also have access to the Cuyahoga County Veterans Treatment Court, a hybrid integration of Drug Court and Mental Health Court principles. The goal of Veterans Treatment Court is to successfully rehabilitate veterans by diverting them from the traditional justice system and providing the unique tools and services they need to lead a productive and law-abiding life.

Cuyahoga County also offers a special Veterans Housing Unit in the Corrections Center, which fosters a supportive community environment for veterans, preparing them for a transition back into the community.

Whatever needs our veterans have, we’re committed to meeting them. Veterans and active duty military who need assistance—great or small—can call one of the numbers below to get immediate help.

Important Contacts:

• Cuyahoga County Veterans Service Commission
  1-866-915-8387
• Veterans Crisis Line
  1-800-273-8255 or text to 838255