VFW calls in groups to work together for homeless veterans

Fundraiser at Preston VFW collects $12,000 for housing for homeless vets
By Jennifer Grogan


Preston - A gathering at the local VFW post raised awareness about the plight of homeless veterans and more than $12,000 to support a transitional housing project in New London.

"I never thought we would raise this much. I wanted to get attention for the cause and, hopefully, spur public support," said David Anderson, a member of the Freedom Riders USA in Waterford and a retired Navy senior chief.

Anderson proposed the fund-raiser after he learned that the New London Homeless Hospitality Center planned to purchase and refurbish a four-family house on Mountain Avenue to give homeless veterans a place to live while they navigate government programs, find work and look for permanent housing.

Veterans, veterans' organizations, people from the hospitality center, veteran and public safety motorcycle riders, and volunteers helped organize the benefit pasta dinner and dance Friday at the Preston VFW Post 9452.

"Homelessness is a regional problem. It's not just a New London or a Waterford problem to solve," said Ronald S. Steed, a retired Navy captain who is on the board for the center. "And this was a regional response."

Robert Strohl, past commander of the Waterford VFW, said military organizations can become territorial but the benefit "broke down barriers."

"This allowed the clubs to network and get back into what our intentions and purposes are as organizations," said Strohl, who works with Anderson at the Waterford Police Department and helped plan the benefit.
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