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Niagara Gospel Mission (NGM), at 1317 Portage Road in Niagara Falls, is having a ribbon-cutting for its new veteran emergency shelter, “The Liberty Suite,” at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 12.
Executive Director Tom McLaughlin said, “We cannot wait to open a shelter for veterans who gave everything for our freedom.”
Jason, a veteran and resident at NGM, said, “When I was down on my luck and needed to get out of my situation and chase away the demons I brought home from war, it was God that did it. And I met God at the Niagara Gospel Mission.”
NGM noted it “has recognized an increase in veterans come to its shelter for care. Veterans make up an estimated 11% of the homeless population in the United States, and 15% of the clients at NGM. With this staggering number, the staff decided to make a specific veterans’ dorm called the Liberty Suite.
“NGM would like to invite community members, and especially veterans, to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony, tour and learn how the mission will support homeless veterans. Following the ribbon-cutting, the public will have a chance to tour the suite and facility to see how NGM serves the community and especially those who have served us.”
Combat veteran John Cooper Jr. said, “One of the things a veteran misses most about the military is the sense of service and comradery.”
He initiated the new veteran initiative at NGM after becoming the ministry’s director of development. “We hope to rally veterans in the area to serve veterans in need and give that sense of comradery around Christ in our support group and other events,” Cooper said.
Niagara Gospel Mission is a 501 (C)(3) nonprofit providing services to the homeless and poor. Visit niagaragospemission.org to learn more about current services and plans to develop services for homeless women.