"The veteran’s housing project to be built in Tinton Falls is the culmination of over five years of collaborative work by federal, state and local officials—under the tremendous leadership of Freeholder Lillian Burry and Soldier On’s Jack Downing—to bring a proven and effective housing model to Monmouth County that will provide services for homeless veterans and help homeless vets in the community,” said Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04), who authored the Homeless Veterans Comprehensive Assistance law (P.L. 107-95) and has worked closely with the Freeholders and the non-profit organization since 2011 to bring this critical project to New Jersey.

     “There is no one in America who has earned our greater respect—individually or collectively—than our nation’s veterans and one homeless veteran a night is one too many,” said Smith, who served as the Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee and led the effort in the House last year for the reauthorization of his homelessness legislation. “Soldier On has led in the fight to help end veterans homelessness throughout the Northeast, their services are most welcomed here and I am proud to have worked with Freeholder Burry to make this project a reality. There is no doubt the project is sorely needed and will make a real difference in the lives of veterans who have fallen on hard times.”

     “This builds on the big success we had in 2012 when the VA granted $1 million to Soldier On to work in Monmouth County and other parts of central New Jersey. Until that time, many of our veterans went without access to rapid re-housing resources and homeless prevention services such as employment, healthcare and transportation. Now they are a lifeline and invaluable resource for veterans in our state. The Tinton Falls facility will allow them to reach even more veterans and help break the cycle of homelessness by providing stable, affordable housing options.”

     Click Here to read a letter Smith wrote to VA Secretary Eric Shinseki in February 2012 detailing the project and seeking VA support.

###