Governor Hochul Celebrates Opening of 14-unit Complex for Heroes Veterans Apartments in Rockland County

By Rockland Daily Staff

During a visit to Rockland County yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the opening of the Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments, a $5.4 million permanent supportive housing development.

The newly constructed 14-unit complex, located on the former Camp Shanks military station in Orangetown, was developed in partnership with Rockland Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to building housing for formerly homeless veterans.

Local politicians, including Congressman Mike Lawler, Senator Bill Weber, Legislator Aron Wieder, and former Senator Elijah Melnick, joined the Governor at the opening ceremony.

“Homelessness and housing insecurity require a holistic approach that connects vulnerable New Yorkers to housing, but also to the services which help ensure they can establish stable lives in their communities,” said Governor Hochul. “We have an obligation to provide essential services to our veterans who have done so much to keep our nation safe and advance the cause of freedom across the globe.”

The Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments were constructed on land deeded to Homes for Heroes by the federal government. Camp Shanks was the largest embarkation camp used by the U.S. Army during World War II. These 14 new apartments join eight existing supportive housing units previously constructed by Rockland Homes for Heroes, providing assistance to veterans who have experienced homelessness from Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester counties.

This project complements Governor Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan, which aims to build or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Additionally, this state funding for Homes for Heroes Veterans Apartments represents a crucial component of New York State’s commitment to ensuring that veterans can access safe, sustainable, and accessible housing.