More local veterans will gain assistance this year thanks to a gift from the Veterans United Foundation and local Paddio mortgage company. The organizations presented a check to United Way of the Ozarks on Sept. 16 for $20,000 to provide aid through the Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund.
“We are so grateful to Paddio and Veterans United for their support,” said Greg Burris, United Way of the Ozarks president and CEO. “Their contribution will ensure more of our local veterans will gain the emergency financial assistance they need. So often, the requests are for housing and utility assistance. This gift will make a great difference in the lives of many veterans.”
“United Way of the Ozarks has been such a blessing,” said Kevin Walsh, loan officer team lead for Paddio. “One of Paddio’s core values is to enhance lives, and one way we want to do that is by volunteering in our community. United Way of the Ozarks has helped Paddio by giving us those opportunities and educating us on what other volunteer possibilities there are. I am so glad that Paddio was able to contribute to the Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund to assist any veterans out there in need.”
About Veterans United and Paddio
Based in Columbia, Missouri, Veterans United is the country’s largest VA purchase lender. Its mission is to help Veterans and service members utilize the home loan benefits earned by their service. Paddio is a division of VU, that offers home loans to veterans and other home buyers. Veterans United Foundation is the employee-driven charitable arm, supporting military families and nonprofit organizations that strengthen local communities. Veterans United Home Loans and its employees have donated more than $100 million to the Foundation since its founding in November 2011.
About the Veterans Emergency Assistance Fund
United Way of the Ozarks and the American Red Cross partner to provide emergency financial assistance to local veterans. Through this collaboration, American Red Cross caseworkers assist U.S. military, National Guard/Reserve and veterans living in the 14-county area served by United Way of the Ozarks.