PORT JERVIS – The tiny homes project for homeless veterans was launched formally Sunday as over 100 veterans and others gathered in Port Jervis.
Ten tiny homes will be constructed thanks to a $1 million grant from Congressman Pat Ryan and a $400,000 grant from New York State for the Rumshock Veterans Village.
Port Jervis City Councilman Stan Siegel was a driving force in the project. “No veteran should be in a place that they can’t call home,” he said. In 2023 there were 35,574 homeless veterans in the United States. That’s a 7.4 percent increase over 2022. Being able to help America’s veterans is a calling that we cannot ignore.”
Siegel and his wife, Sharon, convinced Bill Whitsel to create the tiny home program in Port Jervis. “Our goal is for them to live and work together. We want to introduce them to hydroponics and microgreens and e-waste recycling and transportation and hopefully the guys will socialize together and get used to being back in society and teach them a job, teaching them a skill,” he said.
Assemblyman Karl Brabenec called the project part of the renaissance of the City of Port Jervis and Assemblyman Chris Eachus said, “I want to let you know that you are in a room full of heroes, and I thank you all for it,” Eachus said.
Students from Orange-Ulster BOCES will construct the tiny homes beginning the first one before school concludes for the summer.
