PEORIA, IL Event Helps Veterans Find One-Stop Shop Assistance

PEORIA - Veterans trickled through a room at the Peoria Illinois Department of Employment Security Wednesday getting help on everything from public transportation to housing assistance.

"I'm unemployed and running around looking for work," said Vietnam War Veteran Ernie Smith.

Smith is now out of a job, despite years of work experience and skills as a mechanic and plumber.  He decided to try his luck at the first service matching event.

Rhonda Washer from DESI Job Corps organized the event.

"We want to specifically address what they need and not just throw money at different agencies you know, from the federal government, we want to provide services that are actually needed and provide services that are actually needed and provided by the correct people to the correct people," Washer said.

Nationwide, less than 40 percent of veterans use veteran's benefits. Most of them only use one program, even though many programs are out there.

That's part of the reason Washer said she wanted to have all of the services in one place.

Veterans could talk to representatives from Midwest Technical Institute, CityLink, Job Corps and other organizations that give assistance in the Tri-County area.

"A lot more programs are available than I think most veterans realize that aren't there. So it's an eye opener," Smith said.

Jason Herrick was in the navy until 2005 and is a trained EMT, but he said that didn't seem to count once he finished his service.

"Went into the reserves and had on and off luck with jobs," Herrick said.

He said researching each individual assistance program wasn't getting him very far. Herrick said having them all in one place gives him face time with the people he needs talk to and is a huge step for area veterans.

"Rather than, hey this might be a program out there, it's this is a program out here. I'll get you in touch with the right people," Herrick said.

Organizers plan to host the event four times a year. The next services fair will be on Wednesday, October 9th at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

By: Sophie Nielsen-Kolding ; Centralillinoisproud.com ; July 10, 2013

- See more at: http://centralillinoisproud.com