Breaking News: Orange County Veterans Were Displaced By Migrant Busloads

Sheriff's Deputies Police were placed at the Crossroas scene to ensure safety - Photo by Bob McCormick

NEWBURGH- Veterans housed in area hotels including in the Crossroads in the Town of Newburgh were removed from their temporary housing to make room for migrants coming from New York City, according to Sharon Toney-Finch of the YIT Foundation, a local not-for-profit that assists homeless and low-income military service veterans in need of living assistance.

“Over the last week, many of our homeless veterans that YIT provides services for were informed that they had to leave their temporary housing,” said Sharon Toney-Finch of YIT. “

Elected officials were quick to respond to this news. Assemblyman Brian Maher (R- Walden) announced that he is introducing legislation to prohibit the displacement of homeless veterans once placed in housing so long as they continue to meet any necessary criteria. “I am introducing a bill that would prohibit the displacement of homeless veterans from shelters or supportive housing,” said Maher. “Never in my life did I think we’d need to outline something as fundamental as protecting the housing needs of our homeless veterans, but here we are. Our veterans matter – their service, lives, safety, well-being and dignity matter.”

Congressman Pat Ryan (D- NY18) took to social media, stating, “This is bullshit. 20 veterans lost their housing tonight because of incompetence by New York City government. I am doing everything I can to ensure these service members have a bed to sleep in tonight. Let me be clear. This will not be tolerated.”

Congressman Marc Molinaro (R- NY19) stated, “This is absolutely inexcusable and should not be happening in America. This is the result of incompetence and a lack of compassion. This won’t be tolerated.”

Source: Mid-Hudson News