Gaston County receives $100K grant to aid veterans without homes

GASTONIA, N.C. — The Gaston County Government announced that it has received a grant that will go towards aiding area veterans who are without homes.

The $100,000 grant will go to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9337 in Gastonia.

VFW Post 9337 Commander Charles McGinnis said the post is committed to providing financial assistance to veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are in danger of becoming homeless.

McGinnis said the money could be used for housing-related expenses such as rent, utilities, hotel stays or mortgage payment assistance. Food assistance will also be a part of the program.

“We are excited about the opportunity this grant provides to help us enhance the services we are already providing to our veteran community,” said McGinnis. “Having the county’s financial support will make a substantial difference in the type of aid we provide.”

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Gaston County says it has a total of 13,861 registered veterans.

Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Bob Hovis said the grant has been structured in a way that ensures the money is used appropriately.

“This is not a blank check,” Hovis said. “The rules of the grant and the reporting requirements ensure that the money the VFW Post provides is going where it needs to help directly address the problem of homelessness among our veteran community.”

Board Chairman Chad Brown said the grant demonstrates the board’s dedication to taking action on issues that will have a direct impact on those that need help the most.

“This is what good government is about,” Brown said. “We want to be known across the region as a county that goes above and beyond to look after our veterans.”

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