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Niagara Gospel Mission starts program to help homeless veterans

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Fri, Aug 5th 2022 11:05 am

Niagara Gospel Mission, at 1317 Portage Road in Niagara Falls, has added a veteran-specific program to include a veteran-only, eight-bed emergency dorm, a support group with local veterans, and assistance in connecting with Veteran Affairs. 

“Service members face dangers and unbearable living conditions overseas for our freedoms. It’s a shame they face the same thing here. We are going to help fix that!” Development Director John Cooper Jr. said. He is coordinator for the new program.

Cooper added, “As a combat veteran myself, I know the issues that come with readjusting after war. Unfortunately, these men have struggled with that, and we want to do our part in helping them. They served us; it’s time we serve them.” 

A press release stated, “Military veterans make up 7% of the Unites States population and 11% of the homeless population. HUD estimates that 39,500 veterans are homeless on any given night in the United States. Currently, 15% of Niagara Gospel Mission’s (NGM) clients are veterans. The need is growing as more service members get out of the military. 

“To help homeless veterans in Western New York, NGM’s new program will include an eight-bed veteran-only emergency shelter. The program also includes a veteran support group where veterans from Niagara Falls and the county can get together to encourage and help each other cope and adjust to society after war. NGM will work closely with the Veterans Affairs Clinic in Niagara Falls to connect veterans with all the VA has to offer.”

Cooper said, “With their struggles from war and in the current economy, Niagara Gospel Mission wants to help those who served our country and kept us free. We welcome cash and in-kind donations as we launch the new initiative this September.”

Niagara Gospel Mission is a Christian, 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor. Visit niagaragospelmission.org to make a donation, or to learn more about current services and plans to develop services for homeless women. The agency receives no government funding, choosing instead to rely on the private sector for support. 

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