Westfield Approves American Legion Housing Plan For Homeless Vets

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield's Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3's redevelopment plan to build a new hall with around 21 units of housing for at-risk veterans will move forward.

The Westfield Town Council approved the second and final reading of an ordinance to adopt the American Legion Redevelopment Plan at the Sept. 19 meeting followed by a round of applause.

"I know that it's a project that this council and administration enthusiastically supports and we're just thrilled to be a part of making a difference for you all," said Mayor Shelley Brindle at the meeting.

The American Legion developed a plan to replace its current facility in Westfield with a sustainable, state-of-the-art facility with a 3,000-square-foot banquet hall for veterans and around 22 units of housing for disabled and/or homeless veterans.

There will also be a full-time veterans affairs representative on site to help with job placement, resume writing, and counseling services.

This initiative is a joint effort between the Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3, the Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing (FSVH), and the Town of Westfield, and allows for the American Legion’s aging facility to be upgraded while addressing the shortage of affordable veterans housing in NJ, according to Brindle.

The project is being funded through private donations, grants, and a contribution from the Town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

Currently, there are 33,0000 veterans across the country experiencing homelessness. In New Jersey, there around 500 at-risk veterans.

The plan to repurpose the Legion, located at 1003 North Ave. West, was first announced in September 2022. The American Legion was inspired by a group that helped build a similar housing facility for veterans in Hoboken in 2021.

"This particular project in Westfield is part of a larger state initiative by the FSVH to upgrade American Legion sites in all 21 NJ counties over the next five to ten years, with the goal of providing enough housing for all 442 current at-risk veterans statewide," said Brindle.

Related: Westfield American Legion Housing Plan For Homeless Vets Moves Forward

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