New Facility for Homeless Veterans

Since serving in the Army during the Vietnam War era, the road hasn't been easy for Adam James "Jimmy" Bowen.

"Well, if it weren't for Eagle Star Housing, I'd be on the streets," says Jimmy. "Let's put it that way."

He came to Eagle Star's first facility in Pembroke back in June, and he says it's been like night and day for him.

"They didn't know you from Adam, although my name is Adam, but they greeted you with love and kindness and they are very supportive," Jimmy says.

This new transitional facility for homeless veterans, which opened on Monday, has 14 beds, 2 living rooms, a dining room and a full kitchen where the staff help residents with life skill training.

"Cooking, clearing, taking care of themselves, looking for job applications, looking for an apartment, stuff like that," says Zach Fuller, Executive Director at Eagle Star Housing.

All with the goal of getting them in an apartment, at a job, and back in a stable living environment.

Eagle Star Housing has a pretty amazing success rate. About 90% of the veterans leave the facility within 90 days.

Every veteran who comes through the doors has a different story, and Jimmy says it's the staff who really help each one achieve their goals.

"As of the last report I saw, there are over 5,000 homeless veterans in New York State," says Fuller, "and to me, that is just not acceptable."

That's why Fuller and his staff will do whatever they can to help veterans like Bowen get back on their feet.

"He's gonna help you," says Bowen. "He's not gonna let you be out on the streets. He ain't gonna let you go downhill."

For more information on Eagle Star Housing, click on the following link:

http://www.eaglestarhousing.com/