Jericho Project Opens Kingsbridge Terrace, New Home to 76 Veterans in the Bronx
NEW YORK, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Jericho Project, a leading nonprofit ending homelessness at its roots, today opens the doors to Kingsbridge Terrace, a unique, beautifully designed LEED-certified Veteran Residence in the Bronx, NY, that is home to 76 veterans including those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
It is the second of two state-of-the-art Veterans Residences built by Jericho in the Bronx enabling veterans to live in affordable, furnished housing and access the comprehensive counseling they need to reenter civilian life with dignity. This includes services for PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury, job training and family reunification. Along with its Supportive Apartment Program that fast-tracks veterans and their families to safe, outfitted apartments, Jericho is serving some 200 veterans throughout New York City.
"Kingsbridge Terrace delivers the vision we first had in 2006, when we saw the need to plan for veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who were homeless or at risk of homelessness," said Jericho Executive Director Tori Lyon. "Since then our partners from the public and private sectors have helped us make this vision a reality."
Kingsbridge Terrace and Fordham Village, Jericho's first residence in the Bronx completed in 2011, together form the first new supportive housing program dedicated solely for veterans New York in 20 years. Forty percent of the units at both residences are for low-income veterans from the community, with priority given to veterans who have returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sixty percent are for veterans who have a history of homelessness, substance abuse, and/or mental health issues.
"As we cut this ribbon on this deeply important housing development, we are honoring the promise to our soldiers that we would try to repay them for their brave service and sacrifice when they come home," said Congressman Jose E. Serrano. "Our veterans have done so much for our nation—it's the least we can do to try to help them with housing, services and employment. We applaud the work the Jericho team is doing and thank them for their service to our veterans."
"The great measure of our city and our nation is how well we serve the men and women who risk their lives to defend our freedom," said City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn. "Our returning veterans need more than just a place to live – many need help finding a job, access to mental health care, and other critical services. This state-of-the-art residence will provide all of that, along with a supportive community. I want to thank the Jericho Project for their continued leadership in serving veterans and other New Yorkers in need."
"Returning home to less than promising living conditions is unacceptable for the men and women who have proudly served our country. The Bronx cares about our veterans and the Jericho Project provides them with more than just a warm bed at night. The Jericho Project is a place that provides supportive programs helping veterans get back on their feet and enabling them to slowly acclimate back into society and everyday life, while maintaining their dignity and honor. Our appreciation and duty to help those in need cannot be overlooked especially at their most critical time," states Councilman Joel Rivera, Majority Leader, New York City Council.
Jericho's Veterans communities are designed to create an environment of wellness, with studio apartments, staff offices, a glass-walled community room and garden and computer center.
SOURCE Jericho Project
Share this article