VETS Program - Veterans Rescue Ranch

Eligibility and Distribution Criteria for the VETS Program

How Recipients Will Be Chosen:
To ensure that firewood reaches those who need it most, we will use a combination of applications, referrals, and community outreach:

Application Process: Eligible individuals can complete a simple application form (below), either online or in person (physical forms can be found at the VSO/VRO office), which will include questions about their veteran status, financial situation, and heating needs.
Referrals: We will accept referrals from local veteran organizations, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and Custer County Emergency Management. These partnerships will help identify individuals who may not be aware of the program but urgently need firewood.
Word of Mouth: As part of our outreach efforts, we will encourage community members and local organizations to spread the word about the program, ensuring that all eligible residents know about the opportunity.

Criteria for Receiving Firewood:
Due to the large amount of VTF grant funds available to The American Legion and VFW this year, priority will be given to Custer County residents that are non-veterans.

Elgibility criteria:

Veteran Status: Any veteran residing in Custer County with a discharge status greater than “dishonerable” will be eligible, regardless of income or physical condition. Priority will always go to those with financial hardships or physical disabilities.
Financial Hardship: Residents who demonstrate financial hardship, as evidenced by income verification or referral from a local agency, will be considered.
Physical Disability or Limitation: Residents with physical disabilities or limitations that restrict their ability to acquire or process their own firewood will be eligible for assistance.
Emergency Needs: In cases of extreme need (e.g., unexpected heat loss), emergency distribution may be arranged outside of regular application procedures.

Firewood Allocation per Household:
To ensure fairness and sufficient support, each household will be eligible to receive up to one cord of firewood per season, with additional quantities available based on demonstrated need and available supply. Priority will be given to households without alternative heating sources or those facing emergency situations.

This approach aims to maintain equitable distribution while prioritizing the most vulnerable individuals in the community.

If you want to volunteer in processing timber for the VETS Program, please go here and mention the VETS Program in your volunteer submission.

VETS Program (Custer County Community Firewood Bank) Application

Please complete the following application to request firewood assistance. Ensure all required fields are filled accurately.

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- Step 1 of 2

Name *

First

Last

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Phone *

Email *

Veteran Status *

Veteran
Non-Veteran
Spouse/Widow/Dependent of a Veteran

If a member of the applicants house is a Veteran, please choose Veteran or Spouse/Widow/Dependent of a Veteran

Military Separation Status (from DD-214) *

Have you used the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) assistance through the American Legion, VFW, or VSO since June 2025? *

Does the County VSO (Dominic or Courtny) have your DD-214 on file? *

Yes
No
Unsure

Are you able to provide a copy of your DD-214 upon request? *

Your Veterans Military Separation Status (from DD-214) *

This question is necessary in order to determine if you qualify for VTF funds to cover your firewood.

Have you or your Veteran used the Veterans Trust Fund (VTF) assistance through the American Legion, VFW, or VSO since June 2025? *

This question is necessary in order to determine if you qualify for VTF funds to cover your firewood.

Does the County VSO (Dominic or Courtny) have your Veterans DD-214 on file? *

Yes
No
Unsure

This question is necessary in order to determine if you qualify for VTF funds to cover your firewood.

Are you able to provide a copy of your Veterans DD-214 upon request? *

This question is necessary in order to determine if you qualify for VTF funds to cover your firewood.

Veteran Acknowledgements *

VTF funds are unavailable to Veterans with a bad conduct discharge, dishonorable discharge, or officer dismissal. The community firewood bank IS however still available to Veterans regardless of their discharge status from military service.
DD-214 is required to verify service and discharge status.
VTF funds will be utilized first to provide Veterans with firewood.

Veteran Spouse/Widow/Dependent Acknowledgements *

VTF funds will be utilized first to provide Veteran Spouse/Widows with firewood if applicable. If the Spouse/Widow does not qualify, the community firewood bank will be utilized.

Total Number of People in Household *

Number of Seniors (65+) *

Number of Children (18 and under) *

Annual Household Income *

Less than $20,000
$20,000 - $35,000
$35,001 - $50,000
Over $50,000

* Annual Household Income is only one of several considerations when reviewing applications.

need Number of

Primary Heating Source *

Firewood
Propane
Natural Gas
Electricity
Other

Do you have alternative heating sources? *

Alternative or Secondary Heating Source *

Firewood
Propane
Natural Gas
Electricity
Other

Do you have a safe, functional wood stove or fireplace? *

Estimated Firewood Needed *

1/3 Cord
1/2 Cord
1 Cord
2 Cords
3+ Cords

* Amount of wood available could effect the number of cords that can be given by the VETS Program. We will do our best to get you the amount you need.

Will you need your firewood delivered? *

*Delivery cannot be guaranteed as the firewood bank does not have extra funds to support delivery. If we have volunteers willing to deliver firewood, we will utilize them when necessary.

Will you need your firewood need stacked? *

* Unloaded firewood will need to be close to where the firewood needs stacked. This assistance will also be available only when delivery and volunteers able to stack are available.

Financial Hardship (select all that apply) *

Low/Fixed Income
Disability/Medical
Unemployed/Underemployed
Other

Please explain your financial hardship

Feel free to add additional context here. Tell us about yourself, your household, and why your are seeking assistance from the VETS Program.

Upload Proof of Residency *

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Utility bill, lease/morgage, state ID/driver's license. Must have applicants full name and address.

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Important Information:

Delivery is not guaranteed; pickup may be required.
Cords are very limited; full cords may not be available.
Wood is mostly pine/aspen; type and quality cannot be guaranteed.
Moisture levels are typically below 20%, but may be higher depending on demand.

Acknowledgments (please check to certify): *

Delivery not guaranteed
Cords limited
Wood type/quality not guaranteed
Moisture may be higher than 20%
By checking this box and submitting this application, I certify that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

Custom Captcha *

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3730 Centennial Ranch Rd. Westcliffe, CO 81252

Email Us: info@VeteransRescueRanch.org

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