Watch full briefing HERE.
During his weekly Westchester briefing, Latimer discussed:
- Latimer was joined by Village of Dobbs Ferry Mayor Vincent Rossillo
- Westchester County Patriot Housing Program
- Election Day Reminder
WESTCHESTER COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS PATRIOT HOUSING PROGRAM IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY
(White Plains, NY) – In honor of Veterans Day, Westchester County Executive George Latimer is highlighting the continued success of the County’s Patriot Housing Initiative, a program that helps to keep veterans from experiencing homelessness in Westchester. Established in 2013 and made up of public and private agencies serving Westchester’s veterans, the Patriot Housing Program seeks to end homelessness among our County’s veterans, and break down barriers to get Veterans into permanent housing as fast as possible.
Latimer said: “On Veterans Day, when we prepare to celebrate and honor those who have served our nation, we are reminded of our freedoms and those who have sacrificed so we may enjoy those freedoms every day. The Patriot Housing Program has housed over 925 veterans since its inception, which is a proud moment for our County.”
Director of Veterans Services Ron Tocci said: “There is no greater responsibility we have as a government and as a society than to care for those who have devoted their lives to the preservation of our liberty. No veteran should go homeless, and I'm proud that this County, under the leadership of County Executive Latimer, through the Patriot Housing Program, has helped hundreds of veterans find housing. Our diligent efforts to serve those who serve us continue this Veterans Day and every day.”
Commissioner of the Department of Community Mental Health (DCMH) Michael Orth said: “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Patriot Housing Program, I want to thank everyone involved in this public and private partnership for their continued commitment to find homes for our veterans who are homeless. Special thanks to County Executive George Latimer for his support and encouragement to continue these efforts. As we mark another Veterans Day, we should never lose sight of the sacrifices that these men and women have made to keep us safe, and not a day should go by where we don’t continue our commitment to keep them safe now that they are home.”
The Patriot Housing members meet weekly to problem-solve on behalf of every Veteran experiencing homelessness in Westchester. As of this November, 20 veterans remain living on our streets or in shelters. If a Veteran does become homeless, Westchester County aims to house them permanently within 30 days or less.
The program is chaired by DCMH, Veteran’s Services, DSS and Program Design and Development. Partner agencies include the VA (Bronx and Montrose), Vet’s Board, City of Mount Vernon, CVR, Westhab, Lexington Center for Recovery, CHHOP, WestCOP, YWCA, The Guidance Center of Westchester, Lifting Up Westchester, CHOICE, HDSW, FSW and MHA.