Politics & Government

Kennedy Spends Thanksgiving with Homeless Vets

Hands out meals at Vets Place in Yaphank.

Leg. John Kennedy and AMVETS Post 48 served Thanksgiving dinner to homeless veterans at the Vets Place, an emergency shelter in Yaphank.

"It is important to recognize the contributions of all our veterans to preserve democracy, and to use all our collective efforts to assist them to use all our collective efforts to assist them  not only on Veterans Day, but on everyday," Kennedy said.

The "Vets Place" program started in 1989 when two Vietnam veterans were shocked to discover one of their old Army buddies was living on the street.  They discovered that many veterans were suffering from the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse and had fallen into a cycle of homelessness and disrepair and this motivated them to form the Suffolk County United Veterans. 

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Eventually, with funds from the New York State Homeless Housing Assistance Program, they purchased a former motel resort in Yaphank and converted it into an emergency shelter called the Vets Place. 

In addition to the shelter, there is a graduated housing program consisting of transitional and permanent apartment units on scattered sites.

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Upon entering the program, a veteran is provided with a safe and supportive environment so that they have an opportunity to regain a sense of dignity.  Appropriate education and job training are part of each goals contract so that each Veteran is provided with the tools necessary to become independent and productive citizens.

If interested in helping or learning more about this innovative and diverse program please contact John Lynch Veterans Place CEO at 631-924-8088 or Legislator Kennedy's Office at (631) 854-3735.


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