Mayor Abdullah Hammoud (second from left) meets with members of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council to discuss a new Veterans Resource Center and other programs.
Center will serve as resource and services hub inside HFCL
DEARBORN — Mayor Abdullah Hammoud met with members of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council Jan. 19 to discuss a slate of veterans-related initiatives within Dearborn.
Hammoud previewed his soon-to-be-announced Veterans Agenda and the formation of the Veterans Resource Center, a new dedicated space in Henry Ford Centennial Library meant to serve as a resource hub for veterans and their families.
The center and its services are part of a proactive approach by the mayor to bring city services and resources to a single designated space for the benefit of the veterans community. The space will be available for general public use as well.
The need for improved service delivery for veterans was discussed at a mayoral transition town hall with then Mayor-elect Hammoud and local veteran leaders.
“We wanted to fully understand the concerns of the veteran community, but also hear ideas about how the city can be a stronger partner,” Hammoud said, referencing the transition town hall. “One thing we consistently heard was the need for a resource center – a place for veterans and veterans-affiliated organizations to access services and work out of. I’m happy to announce that we’re creating a Veterans Resource Center at the Henry Ford Centennial Library.
“This is a small step on the path to a larger agenda for our veteran community. Moving forward, we want to demonstrate that we don’t just appreciate veterans and their contributions to our city, but that we’re prepared to demonstrate our appreciation through concrete actions.”
Immediate plans for the Veterans Resource Center include access to Veterans Service Organizations, which can assist with benefits and compensation claims, and a representative from the Dearborn Vet Center, a community-based counseling center through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Fatooma Saad, the city’s veterans liaison, also will work part-time out of the space to match veterans’ needs with local resources. A calendar will be published to inform veterans of the resources and representatives they can except to connect with.
Suggestions for resources that should be included in the program, or questions on how to reserve the space for veterans-related activities should be sent via email to Saad at [email protected].