Westfield Breaks Ground On Housing For Homeless, At-Risk Veterans

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield broke ground on the Martin Wallberg American Legion Post 3's redevelopment plan to build a new hall with 22 units of housing for homeless and at-risk veterans on Tuesday.

Mayor Shelley Brindle along with Council members Linda Habgood, Jim Hely, David Kiefer, former Councilwoman Dawn Mackey, and many other dedicated officials and community leaders from across the state were present.

John Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls also sang the national anthem to open the ceremony.

"It’s really, I think, a great legacy project for all of us and I think its something that we're going to be really proud of. So it was really a meaningful morning," said Brindle of the ceremony at the Tuesday night Council 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 $500,000 contribution from the Town’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which is funded by development fees from local projects.

"These rental units will help fulfill our affordable housing obligations while providing a meaningful step towards solving the homelessness crisis for veteran . This public-private partnership exemplifies the spirit of collaboration and compassion that defines Westfield," said Mayor Shelley Brindle.

Currently, there are 33,0000 veterans across the country experiencing homelessness. In New Jersey, there around 500 at-risk veterans. To support this important cause, locals can donate to the Foundation for Sustainable Veterans Housing at fsvh.org.

"On a personal note, I think often of my father, Major David I. Wright, who was killed in Vietnam in 1970 and would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge him, and that of all service members who never made it home, and know that there is no greater way to honor their sacrifice, than to take care of those who returned and nobly served, and are now in need of assistance," said Brindle.

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 project is a testament to what we can achieve when a community comes together for a noble cause," said Brindle. "May it inspire others to follow suit and remind us all that we are judged by how we care for those most in need."

Past Reporting:

• Westfield Approves American Legion Housing Plan For Homeless Vets
• Westfield American Legion Housing Plan For Homeless Vets Moves Forward

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