Metzger announces $400,000 award to support innovative housing initiative for veterans
Greenwood Lake. Funds would be used to create ‘Victory Village,’ self-sustaining residential community for veterans that also will also offer employment, transportation and other services.
| 20 Oct 2020 | 01:48
Pictured from left to right are: Greenwood Lake Mayor Jessie Dwyer, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, N.Y.S. Senator Jen Metzger, Rumshock Veterans Foundation Board President Bill Whetsel, Rumshock Veterans Foundation Board VP Frank Messina, Orange County Veterans Services Agency Director Christian Farrell, and Commander Tom Mulcahy of the Greenwood Lake American Legion Arthur Finnegan Post 1443. Provided photo.
According to information on the Rumshock Veterans Foundation’s website, “Victory Village is a custom-building project, that’s the first master-planned tiny house community, on 75 acres. The pint-sized village initially consisting of six dwellings with private backyards will cater to ecologically aware small space veteran dwellers. Edible herb landscaping, on-site farmers market and production facility as well as a glorious urban garden are just some of the green amenities that are planned. All homes will include energy-saving features for reducing the community’s overall footprint including solar power and water reclamation.”
State Sen. Jen Metzger announced this week a $400,000 award secured by her office for Rumshock Veterans Foundation to acquire the land for “Victory Village,” a tiny home community that will be built to serve veterans confronting housing insecurity and homelessness.
Metzger made the announcement at the Greenwood Lake Elks Lodge 2067, and was joined by U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, members of Legion Arthur Finnegan Post 1443 and the Warwick Valley VFW Post 4662, as well as County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton Greenwood Lake Mayor Jesse Dwyer.
Beyond offering a self-sustaining residential community for veterans, Victory Village will also offer employment and profit-sharing through hydroponic farming, a veterans transportation service, an e-waste recycling program, and an education center within Victory Village for veterans to learn energy technology and business skills.
‘A tremendous leap forward’
The Rumshock Veterans Foundation, the Highland Mills-based non-profit organization leading this project, is dedicated to supporting veterans facing challenges as a result of military service.
“The best way to honor the service of our veterans, who sacrifice so much for us, is to make sure they have the resources they need to lead healthy and prosperous lives,” Metzger said. “This innovative initiative of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation not only meets a critical housing need for veterans facing homelessness, but also creates the kind of supportive community that will help our veterans thrive.”
Rumshock Veterans Foundation President Bill Whetsel added: “Veterans defend the definition of what it means to be an American. When their tour of duty is over, they need to know we are there for them like they were there for us. Rumshock’s mission is to let our veterans know we care and support them. We are very grateful for Senator Metzger’s support of Rumshock’s vision; she has provided us with a tremendous leap forward.”
Essentials
For more information about the Rumshock Veterans Foundation, call (845) 325-2203, visit online at rumshockvf.org or email to info@rumshockvf.org.