To the Editor:

I wanted to share this event with you. Recently, as you are aware, I have taken a position as the director of community relations at the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition. My dream job! We provide housing and support for homeless and at-risk homeless veterans and veteran families.

We have the Vet House, a 14-bed home for homeless male veterans, and the Guardian House, a  five-bedroom home for homeless female veterans — the only one in New York State and among seven in the country. 

We are also the SSVF (Support Services for Veterans Families) provider for seven counties.

Crossgates Mall has always been a huge supporter of the veteran community.

Two years ago, Crossgates jumped on board when we announced that the American Legion Riders Post 977 had partnered with the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce to bring the Moving Wall, and connect that to the opening ceremony for the Guilderland Hometown Heroes banner project. Crossgates has been a phenomenal supporter!

Crossgates showcases Hometown Hero banners in the mall and graciously allowed me to host the Capital Region’s Military Awareness Expo, the Albany County’s Honor a Living Veteran program, and so much more.

We are thrilled that Crossgates took the lead on this and will be our host. We will be doing a veteran food-pantry drive this Saturday to benefit the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition and The Veterans Miracle Center.

We are thrilled to have some special guests as well! Elsa from “Frozen” will be there from 10 a.m. to noon.  We will have classic cars and a few car clubs are doing cruise-ins throughout the event …

It’s sad that there is such a thing as homeless veterans and hungry veterans. These heroes have fought for our country. They should not have to fight for food! We are asking everybody in the community to bring nonperishable food items and hygiene products.

Michelle Viola Straight

Director

Community Relations

Veterans and Community

Housing Coalition