Kingston House Readied to Assist Homeless Vets

By Michael Novinson Times Herald-Record 04/27/13 KINGSTON — By year’s end, Ulster veterans who’ve fallen on tough times will have a place to temporarily call home. A former state home in the Rondout is being renovated to serve as emergency housing for up to 10 homeless veterans. It will be the only facility between Westchester and Saratoga counties offering transitional housing for veterans. “We have an obligation to show our appreciation for their service with meaningful action,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein when publicly unveiling the idea in January. The home is large enough to serve Ulster County’s entire homeless veteran population at any given time, said Steve Massee, director of the county’s veterans services agency. According to agency statistics, approximately six-10 Ulster County veterans seek emergency housing assistance at any given time. Veterans will be able to stay at the 67 Wurts St. house for up to a year, though Massee hopes most will be able to get back on their feet sooner. Aiding that effort will be an on-site case manager linking residents to job opportunities, substance abuse counseling or the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Full Story