Emergency Resources for Student Veterans
Here are a few grants and aid programs useful for student Veterans and WOU students in urgent need. Each summary gives you what it is, who may qualify, and where to apply. For another great list of WOU connected resources related to basic needs, click here! We also recommend you connect with our Basic Needs Coorinator in Abby’s house, they are aware of many unique resources.
WOU Emergency Student Aid Fund
WOU Emergency Student Aid Fund
What it is
A broader emergency fund for any WOU student (including Veterans) facing unexpected crises: housing, utilities, medical, or other emergencies threatening their ability to continue classes. This is housed in Student Affairs.
Criteria to apply
- Must be enrolled; complete emergency student aid application; describe the emergency; provide supporting documentation.
- Request subject to funds availability; internal deadlines/processes
- Logan is on this committee, the turnaround is less than a week unless there is a request for more evidence/information which is a common reason for delay.
ODVA Veterans Educational Bridge Grant
ODVA Veterans Educational Bridge Grant
What it is
A state of Oregon grant for veterans who are unable to complete their academic or training programs on time due to external obstacles such as required courses being unavailable or institutional student account debt. It offers up to $5,000 lifetime per veteran.
Criteria to apply
- Must be a veteran (as defined by Oregon law) and Oregon resident.
- Enrolled in an Oregon‑based academic/training program
- Facing a barrier such as unavailability of required courses/training hours, or debt on a student account preventing registration.
- The grant amount will depend on demonstrated need; applicants must submit required supporting documentation
ODVA Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP)
ODVA Veterans Emergency Financial Assistance Program (OVEFAP)
What it is
A one-time state grant that helps Oregon veterans and their immediate families cover urgent expenses such as temporary housing, rent or mortgage, utilities, medical or dental bills, and emergency transportation.
This is the more complicated of the emergency assistance programs we promote, we cannot fill out/submit this for them. Know the program process.
How it works
- Applications are reviewed monthly and are due by the 10th.
- Submission must be done through a Veteran Services Office or a Veteran Advocate (we use the Polk VSO). The advocate completes the Veteran Advocacy Statement and helps confirm eligibility and required documents. The VRC cannot complete or submit this application for students. We can explain the benefit and help them schedule an appointment with the Polk County VSO to apply.
Eligibility basics
- Oregon Veteran as defined by state law, or eligible surviving spouse of dependent.
- Documented immediate financial need tied to essential expense.
- Assistance is one-time per applicant
Typical documentation
DD-214 or proof of qualifying service, Oregon residency, description of the emergency expense, and any supporting bills or statements. The VSO will advise on the exact checklist.
Polk County Veterans Service Office
- Phone | 503-751-1644, Press 2
- The phone number on google is wrong and does not work
- Email | vso@co.polk.or.us
- Hours | Mon-Fri 0800-1700, closed 1200-1300
- The current best way to schedule an appointment with the VSO is to have them send an email to email above and cc us to keep things moving. IF 2-4 days later the student lets us know nothing has happened then we call and leave a VM with specifics of who needs an appointment, about what, and when they emailed the office.
4Spirits Student Veterans Emergency Relief Grant
4Spirits Student Veterans Emergency Relief Grant
What it is
An emergency relief program that provides funding to qualified student veterans enrolled at Oregon’s state-run universities. The goal is to keep veteran students engaged and in school by assisting when a real financial gap or urgent need arises.
Program Page
Who may qualify
- Student Veterans enrolled at an Oregon Public University
- Student experiencing an immediate need or resource gap that threatens enrollment of academic progress
- Funding is dependent on availability & verification of need
- Funding is applied directly to address the need, funds are not sent to the student
- Mortgage & credit card companies are not allowable expenses
How to access
The WOU VRC Director acts as a middleman for this program for the student and the 4Spirits Foundation. Students who may qualify should have an appointment scheduled with the VRC director to discuss the emergency and documentation. Applications not routed through the VRC Director will not be considered by the 4Spirits Foundation.
