The Clark County Veterans Assistance Center (CCVAC) provides veterans in the Clark County area with necessary resources, working hand-in-hand with the Veterans Relief Fund. Washington is the only state that mandates every county has an emergency fund for veterans, which makes it necessary to set up offices across the state. The CCVAC serves as a centralized place where veterans in the area can go to find help — whether they need food, shelter, clothing, or any other vital resources.

 

 

But the CCVAC goes further than providing veterans who qualify for the Veterans Relief Fund with resources. 

 

 

“If [veterans] don’t qualify for the [Veterans Relief Fund], that’s where the center kicks in,” CCVAC vice president and outreach coordinator Sonja Wood said. “We can compensate and help pay for [resources] to help that veteran.” 

 

 

Wood got involved with the CCVAC after she was approached and asked to be the outreach coordinator. Prior to this, she worked with veterans to help them find employment. 

 

 

“I was happy to make the change because I’m still helping veterans,” Wood said. “The whole team has been really great.”

 

 

As outreach coordinator, Wood helps raise awareness for the CCVAC’s cause. She not only goes out into the community and to fundraising events, but also works with the Vancouver HART team, an organization that provides assistance and support for homeless people in Vancouver. 

 

 

“I’m able to give out backpacks with non-perishable food, hats, socks, gloves, emergency blankets and shelters — things like that,” Wood said. 

 

 

In order to raise money to help veterans, the CCVAC holds fundraising events throughout the year. One of their newer events is a bingo night held in February at the Vancouver Elks Lodge. 

 

 

“Folks are loving [the bingo night] because it’s a family-friendly event on a Sunday afternoon.” Wood said. 

 

 

 

 

The CCVAC also brings a prize wheel to events around the area to raise money. At one event, they were able to raise $300 in one day. 

 

 

“97 cents of every dollar that we bring goes directly back to the veterans,” Wood said. “There’s only three percent that we keep to help keep the lights on.” 

 

The Clark County Veterans Assistance Center is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity of donors. To donate, go to ccvac.net