Helping Ending Veteran Homelessness in ROCKLAND COUNTY

We, yes, everyone, can celebrate knowing that construction has begun to build 14 more permanent, affordable, supportive apartments in Rockland County for homeless veterans !

They will be added to the 8 apartments on the last parcel of the of the historic iconic WW II Camp Shanks [Last Stop USA] on Western Highway in the historic hamlet of Tappan, which has an incredible military history. When finished, we, together will have created a living tribute to the 1.3 million GIs who passed through the Camp on their way to fight the nazi army and to those who never returned.

Our story/journey began over 2 years ago, when our “Rockland Homes For Heroes’” local charity that exists to help end veteran homeless decided to add 14 more living units based on the success of the 8 units we built in 2009.

Our next step was to reach out to the following entities: primarily the New York State Office of Temporary Assistance and Disability Assistance-under the Homeless Housing and Assistance Corporation [HHAP] and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal [HCR] for Affordable Housing+ the Private Leviticus Fund + the Federal Home Loan Bank and many others.

Equally important were the extraordinary contributions from the community, [to be written about in our next News Letter which will tell all about how Rocklanders feel about our Veterans]. It is inspiring.

In fact, I was deeply moved by realizing all parties determined for us to succeed out of their respect for our veterans and our homeless. The New York State/Albany folks were pulling for us from Day One to this happy day of construction, which means our future success is now in the very trusted hand of our General Contractor/Builder.

Our Contractor is AHC, which was formally incorporated in 1973 by Keith H. Libolt. Under the leadership of the second generation Keith Libolt. It has a remarkable reputation for integrity, craftsmanship and success.

AHC has built 4 projects in Rockland County to date, including Vincent's Village for the Sisters of Charity in Nanuet which recently won the USGBC LEED Homes Project of the Year Award.

They have challenges you can read about every day, like delivery, inflation, etc. I hope that our community will rise to the occasion and continue to help us financially to deal with these challenges.

To learn more about us go to www.rocklandhomesforheroes.org [on which anyone can make a donation with ease or

patch.com/new-york/PearlRiver/whatis happening -highway -hamlet-Tappan

Or email me at murphy6288@icloud.com or 845-323-2329 with any questions or offers of help.

The Rockland Homes For Heroes Board of Directors are [in alphabetical order ]- John Manifold, Carlos Martinez, Tom Micelli, John Allen Murphy, Monica Toscano, Will Warren, Marty Wortendyke.

Ps - The photo is of the buildings built in the 50’s for the US Army NIKE Missile Program created in the Cold War followed by Special Forces Unit Company B of 845 Engineering Battalion of 411 Engineering Brigade of the US Army. Our Builder will salvage the cement foundations and stone walls.