The Gateway Family YMCA Announces The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program

Plainfield, NJ, June 19, 2019 --(PR.com)-- The Gateway Family YMCA, in partnership with the City of Plainfield and the County of Union, announces the opening of The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program. Located at 930 Putnam Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, the newly renovated facility will provide veteran’s housing and wrap-around social services for United States military veterans.

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership to assist our military veterans and to have this opportunity to continue to expand our housing and social services mission in the City of Plainfield and throughout the County of Union,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “We are honored to be able to provide this essential resource to our veterans.”

The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program will provide support for 18 individual male veterans independently within a 24 hour a day program combined with wrap-around social services including employment training, case management, and behavioral and mental health services.

“As the Mayor of the City of Plainfield, I am proud that our city is an integral part of providing this facility and service for our veterans. Plainfield’s rich history is an ever-present reminder that there were many who came before us, and sacrificed so we could enjoy the liberties we do today. We are a diverse community and the well-being of our residents will always be a priority, and our holistic philosophy ensures that no one is forgotten,” stated Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, City of Plainfield. “The Gateway Family YMCA’s long-standing history of providing housing and social services to individuals in need, gives assurance that this partnership will do much to improve the lives of our local veterans.”

Renovations have been completed and occupants will move in and begin the program in June, assisted by The Gateway Family YMCA staff and supported by the City of Plainfield and the County of Union. “Our veterans have served our county, and to be able to provide them with support services within the County of Union makes us proud,” stated Amy Wagner, Deputy County Manager/Director, Department of Economic Development. “The Dudley House Transitional Housing Program is a first of its kind program in the County of Union for veterans’ housing resources,” added Edward T. Oatman, County Manager.

“The Gateway Family YMCA makes a positive difference in our community by helping homeless and low-income households to achieve stable housing and self-sufficiency,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski, who is the Board’s Liaison to the Union County Human Services Advisory Council.

“We work together with The Gateway Family YMCA to provide residential housing programs to support individuals, families and seniors in need of shelter and a safe environment every day,” added Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director, Union County Department of Human Services. “This unique program provides veterans a safe living environment together with social services programs, allowing veterans to positively restructure their lives.”

“Our housing and social services programs provide shelter for over 300 members of our local community each evening. Through The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program, we will be able to assist veterans with specialized services in their time of need, and work together towards their future,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “As a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, we are excited to further our commitment by creating a program specifically structured around the needs of our military veterans,” added James Masterson, President, Board of Directors, The Gateway Family YMCA. In celebration of The Dudley House Transitional Housing Program, a Grand Opening Ceremony is planned for the fall.

Veterans in need of housing and support should contact The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program at 908-573-2121. “In addition, The Gateway Family YMCA operates the Union County 24-Hour Homeless Emergency Response Hotline assisting all residents throughout Union County with referrals to local services at 908-249-4815,” stated Theresa McCoy, Senior Housing Director, The Gateway Family YMCA.

“This partnership allows the City of Plainfield, through The Gateway Family YMCA, to provide a unique service to veterans who are experiencing homelessness or are in imminent risk of becoming homeless, with the goal of supporting their individual needs,” added Shep Brown, Director, Department of Health and Social Service, City of Plainfield.

The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility. The Y impacts the community by providing quality services to people of all ages, races, faiths or incomes. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community.

For more information about The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program in Plainfield, contact The Gateway Family YMCA at 908-573-2121 or visit www.tgfymca.org.