“Don’t Be Discouraged by Previous Experiences”
“Don’t be discouraged by previous experiences,” says Stephanie Araiza, a retired Air Force first sergeant volunteering for the Nevada County Veterans Service Office. Her words carry the weight of a veteran who’s seen both the struggle and the breakthrough. For one Vietnam War veteran, that breakthrough meant moving from a tent to a home, thanks to long-delayed benefits finally unlocked by the office. The moment he received the approval letter, Araiza recalls, he returned in tears, trying to hug everyone who had helped him.
A Quiet Lifeline in a County of 10,000 Veterans
In Nevada County, where veterans make up about 10% of the 100,000 residents, the Veterans Service Office is a crucial hub. As the cost of living climbs, more veterans turn to the office for help with food, housing, medical care, and utility bills. The office, at 988 McCourtney Road in Grass Valley, is designed as a gateway. “Our hope is just to get them in the door, which is a huge step for someone who is vulnerable and in need,” Araiza said. “If we can get them in the door and get them talking, we can try to help them.”
This gateway approach works through strategic coordination. The office is next door to the County’s Social Services Department, which allows the agencies to work together quickly to help people with food and shelter. The impact is substantial. With four full-time staff and an annual budget of about $855,000, the office helps local veterans secure roughly $95 million in federal benefits each year, according to Nevada County Veterans Service Officer David West.
Driving Veterans to Appointments
Beyond bureaucracy, the office provides tangible, on-the-ground assistance. A group of five active volunteers offers free rides in a county vehicle, taking veterans to medical appointments. In July and September alone, these volunteers logged over 1,000 miles. The office is consistently looking for more volunteer drivers, particularly women. Those interested can call 530-273-3396 to learn more.
Mental health support is also a cornerstone. Thanks to a $120,000, two-year CalVet state grant from Proposition 63, veterans can now receive up to 15 free, confidential mental health counseling sessions. Requests for these services are on the rise. During the first quarter of this year, the office made 40 mental health referrals, a significant jump from the approximately 25 referrals in a typical quarter in previous years.
The Challenge of Homelessness and the Push for Solutions
One of the most pressing challenges is veteran homelessness. Since 2022, the Nevada County Veterans Service Office has stepped up its efforts, helping find housing for 70 veterans. West emphasizes that the office is committed to serving veterans however they can, finding a solution for any challenge.
This commitment connects to the broader federal system. West noted that “it has never been easier for veterans to get their benefits.” The office helps veterans use the federal system to get the health care and support they earned through their service.
The success stories are powerful motivators. The same Vietnam War veteran who once came into the office in tears now stops by regularly at the Brighton Greens Office Park, encouraging others to keep fighting for their benefits. His journey from a tent to a home shows the effect of the office and gives hope to others.
A Final Word for Hesitating Veterans
For veterans who have hesitated to reach out or struggled in the past, Araiza’s message is clear: give it another try. The Nevada County Veterans Service Office stands ready to help, proving that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, a dedicated team and a bit of persistence can change a life. For more information, visit www.NevadaCountyCa.gov/VSO or call 530-273-3396.
