Groups Open 11 Homes for Once Homeless Veterans
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Local political leaders and advocacy groups held a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday for 11 homes for formerly homeless veterans.
The homes, at 963 Chalkstone Avenue, are dedicated in memory of Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger of Bristol and Narragansett and the first Rhode Islander killed in action in Iraq.
“These homes will provide Rhode Island veterans and their families with shelter, a sense of community and hope for generations to come. This is one small down payment on our clear obligation to honor and provide for our veterans, who deserve no less,” said Sen. Jack Reed, a senior member of the Banking, Housing, and Urban Development Committee. “Our veterans have made enormous sacrifices on behalf of our country, and they and their families deserve our steadfast support,” added Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “These new homes give our veterans and their families an affordable place to live and I commend Operation Stand Down for their commitment to our service members.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThose participating included: Congressman David Cicilline, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras along with representatives from Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence Housing Authority, the Rhode Island Office of Housing and Community Development, Rhode Island Housing.
‘Another step forward in fight to end homelessness’
“I am grateful for the work of Operation Stand Down and the many partners who made it possible for our City and state to take another step forward in the fight to end homelessness among veterans,” said Taveras. “It is unacceptable that those who bravely serve our country are ever without a safe and affordable place to live. It was a great honor to dedicate these new apartments in the name of Sgt. Gregory A. Belanger and to stand alongside his parents. The moment was a poignant reminder of the tremendous sacrifices made every day by our military forces and their families.”
An estimated 40 percent of homeless men in the United States are veterans and about 107,000 veterans are without a place to stay on any given night, according to Rhode Island Housing.
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