newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Earlier today, Gov. Chris Christie detailed plans for the start-up of 100-bed Veterans Haven North at the former Hagedorn Psychiatric Hospital in Glen Gardner, and an agreement with Freedom House to provide transitional housing and care for homeless veterans.

The governor said his administration is using existing resources to expand the Veterans Haven program run by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) which currently serves homeless veterans in Winslow, Gloucester County.

Christie closed the 150-bed psychiatric hospital last year to save the state $5.6 million.

Startup funds for the veterans’ facility total $2.3 million and are included in DMAVA’s and the state Department of Human Services’ proposed 2012-13 budgets for treatment services. In addition, federal funding will allow DMAVA to provide housing, health services and social and vocational rehabilitation to approximately 50 homeless veterans.

Since the mid-80s, Freedom House has provided long-term residential treatment and transitional living programs for individuals, providing them a second chance and integrating them back into meaningful lives. Christie said Freedom House counselors will complement the DMAVA’s work with homeless veterans.

“We’re launching an effort that continues to honor the commitment of the brave men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform by providing them the support they need to get on their feet and be successful,” Christie said. “By reinvesting existing resources we will be able to replicate the highly successful Veterans Haven transitional housing program to serve our homeless veterans in the northern part of our state.

“Thanks to innovation and a partnership with Freedom House, New Jersey will continue to lead the country in providing state-of-the-art facilities and quality care for our veterans,” the governor said. “Veterans have sacrificed in their service to our state and country and it is our obligation to support them in every way we can.”

The Veterans Haven facility in Winslow has helped nearly 1,000 homeless veterans since opening in 1995. Three of every four veterans who complete the program remain off the streets for good and return to purposeful lives. The facility recently underwent a 20,000-square-foot expansion to serve an additional 44 homeless veterans.

"I believe that we all can agree that the words ‘homeless’ and ‘veteran’ should never be said in the same breath,” Brig. Gen. Michael Cunniff, state acting adjutant general, said. “However, it is an unfortunately reality. Since 1995, Veterans Haven has helped homeless veterans return to purposeful lives. Expanding the reach of our services to Hagedorn will ensure that all homeless New Jersey veterans are afforded the care and assistance they deserve after their honorable and faithful service to our country."

After being medically evaluated at a VA Medical Center, eligible veterans participate in a long-term program focusing on psychological, social and vocational rehabilitation. Veterans Haven is a drug- and alcohol-free program and residents must abide by this zero tolerance rule while enrolled.

Vocational counselors are on hand to help the veteran prepare to look for work. After finishing vocational testing, the veteran will complete a program plan with the vocational counselor which will best suit the veteran based on experience, education and available funds for school. All veterans enrolled in Veterans Haven are required to find and maintain full-time employment within six months of enrollment. Determination of employment may be made sooner by their case manager.

Residents are also required to attend a variety of self-improvement classes. These classes cover the gamut of life and work skills including anger management, career management, resume writing, basic computer training, health issues, money management and health and hygiene.