Sen. Metzger Announces $400,000 State Award to Support Innovative Housing Initiative for Veterans

Greenwood Lake, NY...Senator Jen Metzger today announced a $400,000 award secured by her office for Rumshock Veterans Foundation (RVF) to acquire the land for "Victory Village," a tiny home community that will be built to serve veterans confronting housing insecurity and homelessness. Senator Metzger made the announcement at the Greenwood Lake Elks Lodge 2067, and was joined by U.S. Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, and local leaders and veterans organizations.  

Beyond offering a self-sustaining residential community for veterans, Victory Village will also offer employment and profit-sharing through hydroponic farming, a veterans transportation service, an e-waste recycling program, and an education center within Victory Village for veterans to learn energy technology and business skills. RVF, the non-profit organization leading this project, is dedicated to supporting veterans facing challenges as a result of military service. Also in attendance for the announcement were members of the Greenwood Lake Elks Lodge 2067, the Greenwood Lake American Legion Arthur Finnegan Post 1443, and the Warwick Valley VFW Post 4662, as well as Greenwood Lake Mayor Jesse Dwyer and Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton.

New York State Senator Jen Metzger (SD-42) said, “The best way to honor the service of our veterans, who sacrifice so much for us, is to make sure they have the resources they need to lead healthy and prosperous lives. This innovative initiative of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation not only meets a critical housing need for veterans facing homelessness, but also creates the kind of supportive community that will help our veterans thrive. I am so excited about this project and thrilled to announce this grant to help move it forward." 

Rumshock Veterans Foundation President Bill Whetsel said, “Veterans defend the definition of what it means to be an American. When their tour of duty is over, they need to know we are there for them like they were there for us. Rumshock's mission is to let our veterans know we care and support them. We are very grateful for Senator Metzger’s support of Rumshock’s vision; she has provided us with a tremendous leap forward.”

U.S. Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (NY-18) said, “We owe our veterans so much, and when they come home after serving our country it’s up to us to serve them. It’s an honor to be here today celebrating the Rumshock Veterans Foundation,  and the great work Senator Metzger has done securing $400,000 for the Victory Village. This project will be integral in helping veterans here in Orange County, and will improve access to reliable housing, health care and job skills.”

New York State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (AD-98) said, "Our veterans deserve the best from all of us in honor of their sacrifices to defend our freedoms. The Victory Village project’s receiving $400,000 for a tiny home community gives veterans a second chance. I’m thrilled that these veterans are being given an opportunity to be members of a supportive community.”

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said, “Those serving domestically and overseas provide critical national security services. When military service ends, having new opportunities in housing, education, and career choice is so important for our veterans. I want all who served to know there is opportunity for them here in Orange County and look forward to continuing to work with officials at all levels of government to create them for these brave men and women.”

Jen Metzger represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes all of Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster Counties. Senator Metzger serves as Chair of the Agriculture Committee and sits on the Environmental Conservation, Education, Health, Energy and Telecommunications, Local Government, Women’s Issues, Domestic Animal Welfare, and Legislative Commission on Rural Resources Committees. 

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