Katrina Ross poses with her certificate of recognition at the Hancock County Fair, where she was honored for her work supporting local veterans.

For Katrina Ross, recognition is not what motivates her work. Seeing a veteran find a place to call home is reward enough.

Ross, a family advocate with Great Lakes Community Action Partnership’s Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, was recently recognized at the Hancock County Fair for her dedication to supporting local veterans and their families. Veteran Service Officer Josh Polland presented Ross with a certificate of recognition during the event.

Ross said she was surprised by the recognition, especially because she had not been given many details about the event beforehand. While the recognition was meaningful, she said the most rewarding part of her work is helping veterans find stability.

“I don’t expect recognition for what I do, as seeing a veteran secure a place they can call ‘home’ is enough for me,” Ross said.

Ross has served as an SSVF advocate for nearly six years, providing case management and connecting veterans with resources to address barriers to housing and self-sufficiency. Her work can include community referrals, administrative support, rental assistance, security deposits and assistance with move-in expenses or rental arrears.

She said every veteran’s situation is different, and success can look different from one person to the next. Over the years, Ross has helped veterans experiencing homelessness, families struggling with basic needs and veterans facing mental health crises.

“It makes me happy to help those that protected the freedoms we have today,” she said.

When Ross began serving Hancock County, she focused on building strong relationships with local community organizations and Veterans Affairs partners. Those connections have helped create a stronger network of support for veterans who need assistance.

Ross said it is important for veterans to know that programs such as SSVF are available and that they do not have to face challenges alone. Veterans may encounter difficulties transitioning to civilian life, navigating past trauma or finding the right resources for their needs.

“Our Veterans deserve to know SSVF is available, to assist them in any capacity in which we can,” Ross said. “They deserve to know in their hearts that they have a community they can rely on.”

Outside of her work with GLCAP, Ross continues to support veterans and military families. She volunteers annually at VFW Post 2947, helping prepare Thanksgiving meals for those in need. She is also supporting her son, Alex, as he completes U.S. Marine Corps boot camp.

For Ross, the recognition at the Hancock County Fair was a meaningful moment, particularly because she was able to share it with her husband, one of her biggest supporters.

While the certificate was an unexpected honor, Ross continues to measure the success of her work in a much simpler way: helping a veteran find and maintain a place to call home.

If you are a veteran experiencing challenges with housing or other needs, or know a veteran who may need support, learn more about GLCAP’s SSVF program at glcap.org/veterans or call 800-775-9767.