Benedictine Health Foundation’s generous donation brings UlsterCounty closer to providing housing for Veterans
Kingston, NY – Ulster County Executive Mike Hein announces a generous donation from the Benedictine Health Foundation in the amount of $10,000 in support of the Patriots Project. These dollars will help pay for the rehabilitation of the future Veterans home which will provide transitional housing and related services for homeless Veterans in Ulster County at 67 Wurts Street in Kingston. The property stands directly across from ThomasCornellPark, which is the site of an existing Veterans’ Memorial.
“It is my privilege to thank the Benedictine Health Foundation for their very generous donation toward the Patriots Project,” said County Executive Hein. “The additional help we receive through community organizations such as the Benedictine Health Foundation, in support of our local Veterans who have sacrificed so much for us is inspiring. Soon Ulster County will have a place for our Veterans in need to live and receive rehabilitation services, such as mental health, medical care and job placement, and which will allow us to truly say, ‘welcome home.’”
“The Benedictine Health Foundation is pleased to contribute to the Patriots Project,” said Rich Gillette, President of the Benedictine Health Foundation. “We are grateful for County Executive Hein’s initiative to provide help for our local Veterans who need assistance. We are honored to play a role in such a worthy cause that upholds our mission to improve the health and well-being of the underserved in UlsterCounty.”
UlsterCounty acquired the property for the Patriots Project, a former group home, from New YorkState, after the approval by the State Legislature and Governor Cuomo. The cost to transfer the home to UlsterCounty was $1.
Over 60,000 Veterans are homeless nationwide, and it is estimated that there are 20-40 homeless Vets in UlsterCounty at any given time. For more information on the Patriots Project and the list of items needed, please go to http://ulstercountyny.gov/veterans-service-agency/patriots-project-veteran’s-home.
Attachement: Photo – Benedictine Health Foundation Board Members with CountyExecutive Mike Hein. Front Row: Rich Gillette, President, Sister Mary Feehan, O.S.B., CountyExecutive Mike Hein, and Paul Beichert. Back Row: Bob Ryan, Barbara Klassen, Executive Director, and Dan Gruner.
