Expansion will add more apartments for homeless and at-risk veterans.
New Jersey took the next step toward ending veteran homelessness with the Nov. 9 groundbreaking for 18 new housing units at Post 107 in Hoboken.
“Today is about more than a groundbreaking,” Department of New Jersey Commander Anthony “Tony” Gladden said. “Today is about breaking cycles of homelessness, isolation and despair for those who once answered our nation’s call. Most importantly, today’s about changing lives and saving lives.”
The original Post 107 home was heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy in 2012; the rebuilding plan included six fully furnished apartments for homeless veterans. The success of that original project has prompted more post home renovations and rebuilds across the state to provide veteran housing and services.
“I believe The American Legion is pioneering a new model, one, on how we renew our posts at the post level, but two, how we create housing capacity for veterans,” said New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Vincent Solomeno III.
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The initial Post 107 rebuild included the post’s headquarters and meeting hall on the second floor of the new building, with six apartments on three floors above that. The expansion was made possible by the city making a former municipal parking lot available.
“This is what a strong community partnership looks like. A shared commitment that grows over time and shows real results for the people who need it the most,” Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour said.
The project at Post 107 also included a center for veterans to gather for fellowship and more.
“A roof over their heads is not enough,” said New Jersey State Sen. Raj Mukherji. “The wraparound supports, access to healthcare, transportation to your VA appointments, job placement or workforce training and development opportunities; these are the things that keep our vets off the streets once we get them off the street.”
- Homeless Veterans