CLEVELAND — Edwin Parris, the city of Cleveland’s first veterans liaison, is a U.S. Army vet himself, who says there is no shortage of benefits available to those who served; the challenge is getting the word out. 

“You have no way of knowing what’s available to you until you talk to another veteran or you stumble upon a resource just by happenstance,” Parris said.

To create more visibility and access to those benefits, Parris and his team host resource fairs in different parts of the city with more than 40 vendors, just for veterans. 

“We can’t solve all the problems, but we want to have the necessary resources to help a veteran navigate his way to getting the benefits and if he need housing or if he’s looking for, some support, emotional support,” he said.

Bessie Washington, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, said after she left the military, she went straight to work and got benefits through her new job. Now, she tries to attend as many resource fairs as she can to learn more about what’s available to her as a vet.

“When I came in here and the other fairs that I attended, every time I go to one, I find out something new that I didn’t know before,” she said.

That’s what Parris wants to see, more veterans getting connected to the resources they worked hard to earn, and - being reminded that the community cares.

“It’s just important that we also help support appreciation,” Parris said. “And just say job well done. Thank you for serving.”

The next big resource fair is on Armed Forces Day in May, but Parris said he is available to serve the needs of veterans year-round. 

Those in need can contact him by phone at (216) 664-6634 or email eparris@clevelandohio.gov.