On Thursday, a veteran will be moving into Unit 6 at Rockland Homes for Heroes in Tappan, which will bring the 14-unit site to full capacity. This site, which was built on the land previously occupied by Camp Shanks, is specifically designed to provide housing for formerly homeless veterans. However, the veteran will be a day late for some remarkable company.
In a midday tour that was closed off to the media, Governor Kathy Hochul visited an 842-square-foot apartment. She later addressed a small gathering under a tent in the heat of the day.
As she navigated her way through a crowd of politicians and hopeful candidates who were vying for a photo opportunity with the governor, the Democrat jokingly remarked to state Sen. Bill Weber that the initiative should serve as an example for the entire state to follow.
The project’s total cost amounted to $6 million, of which New York contributed $4.5 million, along with private donations and an additional $800,000 from Rockland County.
Hochul expressed that the sacrifice these individuals made with their lives is something that can never be fully repaid. Hence, a $6 million project is a small price to pay for what they have given. She emphasized the significance of the day and shared her joy in celebrating the opportunity to provide these deserving individuals with a secure place they can call home. Hochul warmly welcomed them, saying, “Welcome home.”
Years in the making
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John Murphy, a Marine who grew up in the Bronx and served in the Rockland County Legislature for 44 years, had been nurturing the idea of Rockland Homes for Heroes for several years.
As the one who has been advocating for veterans and individuals with special needs in Rockland County for a long time, Murphy proudly donned a baseball cap with the words “Once a Marine, always a Marine” as he welcomed the governor.
Praising the volunteer board of directors for their hard work, 89-year-old Murphy highlighted two primary funding sources for his non-profit project.
During a recent announcement, Murphy expressed gratitude towards the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance for providing a generous amount of $4 million. However, he also emphasized on a noteworthy fact that is not common knowledge. Despite being the second smallest county in the state, this county made an exceptional contribution of over $800,000 towards the cause.
The state, along with other generous contributors, including unnamed groups who donated money, provided over $4 million. Additionally, the community offered $800,000. The reason is simple. They deeply appreciate those who safeguard our cherished country and firmly believe that no one should ever have to experience homelessness. Therefore, we express our gratitude to the governor, the state of New York, and the individuals and companies in Rockland County. Your actions have transformed lives and instilled hope. We are forever grateful.
Former Camp Shanks Site Offers Help to Homeless Veterans
The former site of Camp Shanks is now providing help to homeless veterans. This initiative comes as a ray of hope for the homeless veterans who have been struggling to find a roof over their heads. The site is located in Orangeburg, New York, and is now repurposed to serve as a transitional home for veterans.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency and the Volunteers of America. The facility offers temporary housing, food, and assistance in finding long-term housing and other resources for the veterans. The program aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for veterans who have fallen on hard times.
The former Camp Shanks site served as a major shipping point during World War II. It was home to thousands of soldiers who passed through the camp on their way to Europe. Today, the site is being used to provide a different kind of support to veterans.
The transitional home is a welcome development for the homeless veterans in the area. The program is expected to help veterans get back on their feet and become self-sufficient. With the support and assistance provided by the facility, veterans can rebuild their lives and regain their independence.
What the governor saw
During her tour, Hochul had the opportunity to visit a fully furnished affordable housing unit, which is one of the 14 units that constitute the final phase of Rockland Homes for Heroes.
Back in the 1950s, when the Nike missile base was in operation, the space now known as Unit 6 used to serve as the “chow hall”.
The unit, which boasts high ceilings and an open floor plan front room with a kitchen and a single bedroom with laundry, was designed by project architect Toni Kowidge from the Ives Architecture Studio located in Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Murphy was insistent on each unit being handicapped accessible, a feature that Kowidge made sure to include.
According to architect Joel Ives, the design approach was based on “a philosophical necessity” to preserve the slab floor and concrete front wall of the previous location. The roof and interior walls, which had deteriorated over time, were replaced, resulting in a fully furnished and rejuvenated apartment.
A meaningful location
After years of dedicated efforts by Murphy and his nonprofit, Wednesday’s tour served as the ultimate culmination. As the president of Rockland Homes for Heroes, situated on Western Highway in Tappan, Murphy’s work holds significant value for veterans.
In 1782, following their victory at Yorktown during the Revolutionary War, General George Washington’s troops set up camp along this section of the Western Highway.
Explore the Phase 2 site transformation with this interactive photo. Simply slide the white dot to compare the before and after images.
During World War II, Camp Shanks served as the primary port of embarkation for over 1.3 million American soldiers, sailors, and airmen. This historic site once held prisoners of war and played a critical role in transporting troops from all over the United States to the European front.
During her speech, Hochul stated that her father-in-law could have easily left for D-Day just as he returned from it.
Following the end of World War II, the location was transformed into a Nike Missile base and subsequently served as an Army Reserve camp, before being left abandoned and unused for a period of time.
In 2010, the military put up for grabs a 15-acre site with three tiers that sloped from Western Highway to the tracks. The only remnants of the World War II camp were a few rows of single-story offices and classrooms, along with the massive motor pool buildings situated along the railroad. The military offered this land to any nonprofit organization that would be willing to construct housing for the homeless on the property.
Murphy and Loeb House have been providing treatment and supportive residential arrangements since 1982. As the founder of Rockland Homes for Heroes nonprofit, Murphy has been actively involved in transforming the top two levels of a property located at the foot of Independence Avenue. The property was leased in 2010 with the aim of creating a living space that pays tribute to the heroic efforts of the individuals who have served the nation. The road leading up to the property has since been renamed “Path of Heroes Way”.
Orangetown town received half of the property, located on the lowest tier, as a donation. The town converted it into a beautiful pond surrounded by a path. The area was named “Homes For Heroes Green Project Walking Trail” and is located just a third of a mile south of Homes for Heroes, at the foot of Bogart Place. Anyone can access this trail and enjoy its serene beauty.
Homes in two phases
In 2013, Murphy successfully opened Phase 1, which consisted of two well-kept houses along Western Highway, offering eight apartments specifically designed for disabled and displaced veterans. It was a three-year process that required dedication and hard work to bring this project to fruition.
After five years, Murphy shifted his attention towards the lower tier of the property. The abandoned Nike Missile headquarters buildings were situated on a weed-covered lot, surrounded by fallen trees. It took Murphy a total of six years to transform his plans into a reality.
As we walked along the freshly paved street lined with tidy rows of houses, Murphy proudly stated, “The foundation and walls were successfully salvaged.” This was during a tour of the site last autumn.
During the governor’s tour on Wednesday, the second phase was unveiled, consisting of 14 one-bedroom apartments that will serve as a permanent solution to homelessness for 14 veterans. In addition to this, the community room is also available, which can provide services to the 22 veterans who currently reside in Rockland Homes for Heroes.
It is evident that Murphy takes great pride in the project.
During a tour last fall, Murphy expressed his immense satisfaction with the project, stating that creating 22 permanent homes for homeless veterans was one of the greatest achievements of his life. He added that nothing could compare to the joy of providing a safe and secure place for those who have served their country.
According to Will Warren, the treasurer of the non-profit, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project took place on Wednesday. However, he mentioned that the units have already been occupied for some time now. Warren gave credit to Murphy’s exceptional vision, energy, drive, commitment, and connections for turning this dream into a reality.
As the speeches on Wednesday neared, a veteran who had just moved into the end unit closest to the event watched as the governor arrived. From the front walk of his new home, he observed her huddling with Murphy and other officials. When she went inside to inspect Unit 6, he did what any reasonable person in his position would do – he kept a close eye on the situation.
After enduring the scorching heat, he sought refuge in his air-conditioned apartment and shut the front door behind him to escape the unbearable triple-digit-real-feel temperature.
Come Thursday, he will have the chance to share his story with his newly acquainted neighbor in Unit 6.