Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino and a Westchester-based organization that coordinates homeless housing and services providers in the county recently announced plans for a second push of a national campaign to find homes and jobs for veterans.
The Westchester County Continuum of Care for the Homeless, a private-public partnership, will partner with the county to house 75 homeless veterans and find jobs for 45 of them by March 31, according to a county press release.
The Westchester Patriot Housing Initiative was the county”™s first effort to house at least 75 veterans between last August and November. The organization exceeded its goal by serving 85 veterans, and it plans to expand its efforts throughout this year and next.
“No one should ever go homeless, especially our veterans,” Astorino said. “Working hand-in-hand with our community partners, we are striving to make sure no veteran will be without a roof over his or her head.”
Astorino added that employment is an essential component of reducing homelessness, so the initiative will push for getting veterans hired.
Curtis Ross, a Navy veteran, was homeless for three years before the Patriot Housing Initiative assisted him in finding a place to call home.
“It has helped bring me and my family together again,” Ross said in a written statement. Â “It makes me happy to be in the position to invite over friends, family and grandkids to a place of my own that I am proud of.”
County Veterans Services Director Vito Pinto said partnership is what will help the initiative succeed. During the first 100 Day Challenge, leaders in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, White Plains and New Rochelle played an important role, he added.
“Now we”™d like to build our relationships in Northern Westchester, as well as connect with the business community through our One-Stop Employment Center,” Pinto said in a written statement.
