Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Officially Launches the Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program

Plainfield, NJ, August 29, 2019 --(PR.com)-- The Gateway Family YMCA, in partnership with the City of Plainfield and the County of Union, officially launched the opening of The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on July 11th. The newly renovated Dudley House facility, located at 930 Putnam Avenue, Plainfield, NJ, provides transitional housing and wrap-around social services for United States military veterans.

“On behalf of The Gateway Family YMCA, we are proud to partner with the County of Union and the City of Plainfield as we officially open The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Facility. Our Y is proud of our 119 year history of serving the homeless and those in need. Through The Dudley House, we will be providing more than a shelter, as we commit to affording wrap around services, case management and direction to veterans that need, as well as deserve our help,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA during the ceremony.

“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,” stated Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, City of Plainfield.

Speakers at the Ribbon Cutting included Shep Brown, Director of Health & Social Services, Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and Councilman Charles McRae, City of Plainfield, Assemblywoman Linda Carter, Freeholder Sergio Granados and Freeholder Rebecca Williams, County of Union, Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA and Commander Cornell Hawkins, Jr, American Legion Post 219.

“Our Y is committed to this partnership to assist our military veterans and we are honored to have this opportunity to expand our housing and social services mission in the City of Plainfield and throughout the County of Union,” stated James Masterson, President, Board of Directors, The Gateway Family YMCA.

Attendees at the event included representatives of the City of Plainfield, County of Union, The Gateway Family YMCA, local organizations, veterans and community members. “The Dudley House Transitional Housing Program is the first program of its kind in the County of Union for veterans’ housing resources,” added Edward T. Oatman, County Manager. “We are proud to be able to provide these veterans with support services within the County of Union,” stated Amy Wagner, Deputy County Manager/Director, Department of Economic Development.

The Gateway Family YMCA provides emergency, transitional and supportive residential housing programs to support those in need of shelter and a safe environment. “The Gateway Family YMCA makes a positive difference in our community by helping those in need 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. “This unique program provides veterans a safe living environment together with social services programs, allowing veterans to positively restructure their lives,” added Debbie-Ann Anderson, Director, Union County Department of Human Services.

Veterans in need of housing and support should contact The Dudley House Veterans Transitional Housing Program at 908-573-2121. “We are committed to helping individuals regain their independence, and will work with our partners throughout the county to help bring individuals back to self-sufficiency,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “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,” added Theresa McCoy, Senior Housing Director, The Gateway Family YMCA.

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.