Veterans’ homeless shelter in York, PA
A few years ago, a homless veteran froze to death under a bridge in York, Pennsylvania. Vietnam veteran Sandy Walker felt ashamed for his community that it was allowed to happen, so he decided to establish a shelter for veterans in his hometown. He set to work on the project, but he died last March. His daughter, Sandie, picked up his banner and they finally completed the project. Yesterday, they had a grand opening according to ABC27;
The shelter has enough space to take in 22 people.
The facility will provide food, clothing and a place to sleep, along with services that include, mental health counseling, bus fare, prescription medicine and dental assistance.
Walker says they will also help veterans who need outside assistance.
“A lot of veterans are not aware of the services that are out there,” said Walker, “We offer immediate assistance, and we connect them to the VA in York County or the medical center in York County.”
The link was sent to us by John Ott, whose son, Matthew, you might remember, was the victim of valor thief Nate Fornwalt. John was also a driving force behind the project, although he might contest that description.
Category: Veterans Issues
Now THIS is a real feel good story.
Good for her. May she live long and the shelter prosper. She is a good person.
Thanks for this story, Jonn.
I hate to be the “skunk at the garden party” – but just how, precisely, do they plan to verify the veteran status of those “homeless vets” using that shelter?
Let’s hope they do a better job of checking status than the VA does.
Based on what I read here, if she tries to verify then she is one up on the VA.
Hondo. I think we previously visited this issue and the Dad said (if I recall correctly) that he appreciated the comments at TAH regarding the matter. I can’t remember whether he wrote that it would be something they would be alert to or whether that was merely my impression. In any event, I wish them well and, yes, pitfalls await them.
I should point out that the Dad I was referring to is Mr. Ott.
Thank you for your comments. With my son being a victim of stolen valor and verification being a huge part of the process I have come up with a plan. We should have state law passed here in the next few months which will help (PA SB43). The verification process will not be immeiate but I have found a way to make it happen and be assured if someone steals valor from me or my son again they will end up the same way Nathan Fornwalt did…in a bad place. I have covered all my bases. Thank you John Ott
Good to hear that, Mr. Ott. It’s unfortunate we have to worry about stuff like that – but history shows that when someone can somehow profit from a false claim . . . someone will try to do exactly that.
Thanks for doing the right thing, the right way. Kudos.
Indeed. What Hondo said, Mr. Ott. Best of luck to you and yours.
Semper Fi John Ott. Thank you for responding. Best Regards to you and those involved for going the exta mile.
Awesome to see someone pick up the noble efforts of those who started it.
And Mr. Ott, best wishes to you and your son.
Best wishes this is an honorable endeavor.
Bravo Zulu to all involved!!