Veterans serve our country. And sometimes, they need our services.
The United Way of NE Minnesota started a Veterans Initiative a couple of years ago. And since then, they've been spearheading different projects, to help veterans.
Erin Shay showed us the latest one, at the United Way office in Chisholm.
"These are called crisis packs. Delta Airlines employees raised money and product to fill them with basic necessity items, like hygiene products, kleenex, socks, and mouthwash. They are for veterans who are homeless or are facing a crisis situation," she said.
The packs are available at the VA Clinic in Hibbing, the three Veterans Service Offices on the Range, and at the United Way.
And just two months ago, the Veterans Initiative celebrated the opening of the Veterans Resource Center at the Hibbing Community College.
"The college gave us the space. We revamped it, and bought all kinds of furniture for it. It's all specifically for veterans. They can meet with the Veterans Resource Officer, or study, or just chill," she added.
The crisis fund through the Veterans Initiative has been active as well. "We allocated $16,000 last year, to veterans in need," Shay explained. "We get referrals through the VA and service offices."
Veterans come to the office in Chisholm to talk about their needs. There's not a lot of privacy for them, but that will soon change.
There are monthly meetings for veterans in Chisholm as well.