The Berrien County Veterans Services Office is offering some veterans in the area an opportunity to get new tires for their vehicles.

Veterans Services Director Maureen Adams tells us a grant from the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency has made the new program possible.

“One of our projects was a little lower cost than we anticipated, and so we wanted to come up with a creative way to utilize those monies, and so we decided on a tire replacement program,” Adams said. “We’re well aware that a lot of people are living paycheck to paycheck, and that tires are just out of reach for some people, and we wanted to be able to help.”

Adams says tires are a common expense that many don’t think about when planning support services, even though not being able to afford tires can keep someone from making it to work.

The Veterans Services Office has enough funding on hand to help 15 to 17 veterans get new tires for their vehicles, and it’s planning to award the aid based on need. The program will run through September 20, and as that date approaches, Adams says the eligibility will expand.

Adams encourages any veterans who think they might qualify for help to call the office and get an application. Applying will mean submitting some paperwork showing income and other factors, so she urges those thinking about it to reach out soon.