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W. N. Y.    V e t e r a n s    H o u s i n g    C o a l i t i o n    I n c.
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The Western New York Housing Coalition launched their first ever fund drive on Veterans Day, November 11,2003, to seek support for their organization that provides housing and care for homeless, disabled, unemployed veterans and those with severe physical and mental disabilities.

The Coalition, founded in 1987 as a not-for-profit organization by a group of local veterans and community leaders, has seen its support in the form of government funds dwindle over the years resulting in a shortfall in the current budget.

"In order to continue providing services to veterans from this area, it is necessary to seek support from individuals, corporations, and other organizations," says Donald G. Keller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Coalition. "We provided services to more than 1100 veterans and their spouses in Western New York last year, and we serve more than 750 vets each year on average," he added. They also help special needs populations according to Keller.

The Department of Veterans Affairs cut their funding to the Coalition causing a
$ 141,000 deficit, according to James Mahoney, President & COO. "We also lost another $42,000 government grant so we may have to reduce our services to veterans if we don't make this up," he said.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates there at least 3000 homeless veterans in WNY; the rising unemployment rate, exodus of jobs and a stagnate local economy make living conditions impossible for many veterans.

The Coalition has previously run "Mayday House", a safe haven for homeless veterans and has helped over 250 homeless vets in the last three years. "Approximately 84 percent were successful in finding employment, and 82 percent secured housing," according to James Mahoney.

The Veterans Coalition provides housing through its 194 units of affordable housing at seven sites in the area. Six of the sites are in Buffalo and one, Kibler Senior Apartments, is in a renovated high school in the City of Tonawanda that was designed by architect E.B.Green. The renovated facility was recognized by the Preservation League of New York State and today houses 75 fully accessible units for senior citizens.

A volunteer Board of Directors governs the Coalition and all funds raised through its Special Events and other fundraising activities are used toward the development and management of properties and programs that benefit the veterans.

For information, Call the WNY Housing Coalition at 882.5935 ext.21.

 

For Information about donation opportunities click here.