Phil Castle, The Business Times
Heather Benjamin wants to match businesses and organizations that offer services to military veterans with office space in a facility she describes as one-stop shop for veterans and their families.
“Just being in the facility opens you up to a lot of folks,” said Benjamin, property administrator for the Western Region One Source.
Located in what was at one time a National Guard armory at 428 28 Road in Grand Junction, Western Region One Source connects military service members, veterans and their families and caregivers in Western Colorado to service providers and resources in the region. That includes assistance with everything from health care and housing to employment and family support.
A veterans services officer helps veterans file for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
An office for the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) provides identification cards for veterans and their dependents.
While the building once sat empty, a $3.5 million project was completed to remodel the facility, Benjamin said.
The building now includes a multi-purpose room, conference rooms and office space.
Benjamin said five spaces are available. Each space offers about 150 square feet and leases for $425 a month. The offices come with desks, chairs and telephones as well wireless internet access.
The offices are available to lease to businesses and organizations that provide services to veterans as at least part of their operations, Benjamin said. “They have to have a veteran nexus.”
One tenant — the Western Colorado Area Health Education Center, offers services to help curtail opioid abuse among veterans.
Benjamin said potential tenants might include a counselor whose patients include veterans or an organization that provides legal services — including services to veterans.
The Western Region One Source offers a good location for those kinds of businesses and organizations because the facility and its services already attracts veterans from around the region, she said.
Although the coronavirus pandemic has affected activities, Benjamin said the Western Region One Source also serves as a popular place for veterans and their spouses to visit and connect as well as a venue for events.
Benjamin said she would welcome businesses and organizations that serve veterans to join in what’s offered at the Western Region One Source. “It really brings you right into the fold of what we’re doing.”
For more information about the Western Region One Source and office space available there, call Heather Benjamin at 257-3764 or the front desk administrator at 257-3760.