Community for Hope offers NJ vets housing and health aid
While our society tends focus on awareness, real change takes a lot of money and effort. This morning we spoke to Michael Armstrong, the CEO of Community Hope and a veteran himself, whose organization provides a variety of housing services and mental health programs for U.S. veterans.
The challenges faced by our military members don't stop when they return home from duty. Many face homelessness, PTSD, unemployment and other serious issues.
"I think it's a problem that's going to get larger, because we've only recently started to see vets come back form Iraq and Afghanistan," said Armstrong regarding the post-service obstacles our troops face. "And usually when vets come back there's a honeymoon period- they're glad they're back, everyone's glad they're back. So often it takes a while for these problems to evolve."
In light of this reality, the nonprofit organization has served thousands of struggling servicemen and women since its inception in 1985, and currently provides housing for about 170 vets. In addition to transitional and permanent places to stay, Community Hope also offers family aid to help avert homelessness, plus emergency services.
Check out Community Hope's website for more details and to donate, or call 1-855-483-8466 to access a 24-hour hot-line for assistance. You can also follow the group on Twitter for instant updates.
What are you doing to support our troops? Let me know at @nj1015 and @BillSpadea.
Bill Spadea is host of the Chasing News TV program. He periodically fills in for NJ 101.5 show hosts, and you can daily hear his opinion about all things New Jersey here, or by tweeting @BillSpadea.
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