Citrus County Veterans Foundation

OUR STORY

BACKGROUND

Citrus County, has one of the highest number of veterans per capita in Florida. Within this population of veterans, two demographic groups primarily need financial assistance to live independently. The most vulnerable group is comprised of those veterans 65 or older whose sole or primary source of income is Social Security. The other group is comprised of those veterans under 65 who earn above the federal poverty level but still live paycheck to paycheck. With each group daily struggling to afford the basic necessities of life, these veterans are one financial crisis away from becoming homeless.Recognizing their selfless sacrifices, the invaluable supportive role of their spouses, and the persistence of their daily struggles, a group of local veteran and community leaders, in partnership with the Citrus County Government and Citrus County Tax Collector Office, formed the Citrus County Veterans Foundation in 2004.

PURPOSE

The Citrus County Veterans Foundation operates as an apolitical, not-for-profit organization to secure and distribute contributions from individuals, corporations, governmental entities, and private groups exclusively for charitable and educational purposes within the parameters of Internal Revenue Code Section 501 (c) (3) and as registered under Section 496.405, Florida Statutes.

MISSION

The Citrus County Veterans Foundation’s primary mission is to timely disburse grant assistance from the Foundation’s available funds to veterans or their surviving spouses for short term emergency expenses upon verification of eligibility and need by the Citrus County Veterans Service Office Manager and approval by a majority of the Foundation’s board of directors.

GOAL

Provide grant assistance to help eligible recipients sustain their independence in a livable home to prevent homelessness.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR GRANT ASSISTANCE

Veteran must have an Honorable or General Discharge Under Honorable Conditions. Veteran and veteran’s surviving spouse must be a Citrus County resident. Total household income must be less than $60,000 annually.

TYPES OF GRANT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED

Past due rents to preclude eviction.
Past due mortgage payments to preclude foreclosure.
Past due property tax payments to preclude public auction.
Past due utility bills to prevent termination of service.
Past due auto payments to prevent repossession.
Repair of vehicles for work transportation.
Home livability repairs and improvements.
Personal welfare assistance.
Closing costs for aspiring Habitat for Humanity homeowners.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Founded in 2004. Granted Internal Revenue Service 501(c) (3) status in 2005.
Registered under Section 496.405, Florida Statutes.
Board of Directors comprised of volunteer community members.
No board member or anyone affiliated with the CCVF receives compensation.
Filing fees, federal income taxes, and nominal administrative costs total less than 1%. Ninety-nine percent of contributions support local veterans and their surviving spouses.

LOCAL VETERANS RELATED ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED

Nature Coast Ministries No Cost Dental Clinic.
Bridge4Veterans Homeless Shelter (Male).
Bridge4Veterans Homeless Shelter (Female).
Operation Welcome Home