Governor Kathy Hochul visited Rockland County on Wednesday, where she proudly announced the opening of the $5.4 million Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments, a new 14-unit permanent supportive housing development designed for veterans. This initiative, situated on the historical grounds of the former Camp Shanks military station, was developed in partnership with Rockland Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building housing for formerly homeless veterans.
“Addressing homelessness and housing insecurity requires a comprehensive approach that not only provides housing but also essential services to help individuals establish stable lives in their communities,” stated Governor Hochul. “Our veterans have made significant sacrifices to ensure our nation’s safety and freedom. It is our duty to support them with the services they need.”
The Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments were constructed on land donated by the federal government specifically for this purpose. Camp Shanks, located in Orangetown, was once the largest embarkation camp used by the U.S. Army during World War II. This new development adds to the eight supportive housing units previously built by Rockland Homes for Heroes on the same property, serving veterans who have faced homelessness in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester counties.
The project received substantial state support, including $3 million from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance’s Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, $1.5 million from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal Housing Trust Fund, and $49,000 from NYSERDA. Additionally, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will provide operating funds through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative. Support services, provided by Loeb House and other community organizations, include case management, job readiness training, healthcare, and service coordination.
This project aligns with Governor Hochul’s $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan, which aims to build or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with supportive services for vulnerable populations, and to electrify an additional 50,000 homes. The funding for Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments underscores New York State’s commitment to ensuring veterans have access to safe, sustainable, and accessible housing. The state’s Veterans Emergency Assistance Housing Fund further supports veterans in critical housing situations, offering aid to those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This fund is part of a broader initiative that invests over $200 million annually in veteran services and benefits.
Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance emphasized, “Supportive housing is a vital tool in stabilizing the lives of those who have experienced homelessness. Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments meets a crucial need among veterans in Rockland County and the surrounding region.”
Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas added, “Creating affordable, modern homes for our veterans, who have courageously served our nation, is more important than ever. Partnering with organizations like Rockland Homes for Heroes allows us to make meaningful investments that provide servicemembers with both a safe place to live and access to essential services.”
Doreen M. Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA, highlighted the energy efficiency of the new apartments, stating, “We are proud to collaborate on Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments, providing veterans with affordable housing that includes supportive services. NYSERDA’s programs ensure that these homes are energy-efficient, healthy, and comfortable, while also being cost-effective to operate.”
New York State Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner Viviana DeCohen affirmed the state’s commitment, saying, “No veteran should ever be without a home or face housing insecurity. Projects like Homes for Heroes and our Veterans Emergency Housing Assistance Fund ensure that veterans in our state have a safe and stable place to call home.”
State Senator Bill Weber praised the new housing units, describing them as a much-needed addition to Rockland County. “This achievement by Homes for Heroes is commendable, and it is why I was honored to nominate its founder, John Murphy, to the NYS Veterans Hall of Fame earlier this year.”
Rockland Homes For Heroes Founder and President John Murphy expressed gratitude, stating, “The new 14 homes for homeless veterans were made possible by Governor Hochul and New York State. Their unwavering support and professional guidance from the beginning ensured the successful completion of this project.”
Well, I am glad that somebody is finally doing something for veteran.I am a disabled Vietnam Veteran, living in yonkes, New York, where I no longer can pay my section of the rent. All part of my rent due to my bills is SO high. I barely have enough money to even eat. Unfortunately, the government does not care about the veterans. They kick us to the curb, like a piece of garbage once you get out. They took away my non service connected disability two years ago and left me homeless in a hotel 42 years, then one year and 5 months ago CVR got me an apartment here in Yonkers, but I can no longer pay my part of the rent so how long they’re going to let me stay here? I don’t know I am at my wish end. And I have a service dog and I can’t get them to even fix anything in this apartment during the heat wave I had have no way I conditioned since last year. I have a service dog here. She’s pattin. I’m hot and they don’t care about the tenant. Or me or anything, so it looks like I’ll go back to living in my truck out in the street again.