Center opens near Campbell to help vets in need

Center opens near Campbell to help vets in need
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Feb 21, 2012 15:17:11 EST
HOPKINSVILLE, Ky. — A center for homeless veterans has opened near Fort Campbell, offering temporary living quarters and help to get back on their feet permanently.

Pennyroyal Veterans Center coordinator Howard Dixon told the Kentucky New Era that the goal is to help veterans in need.

“From homelessness to self-sufficiency, that’s my trademark or my philosophy,” Dixon said. “We want to identify homeless veterans and provide them treatment whether that is substance abuse, mental health or job skills — all with the final goal of discharging them to their own living environment that they can pay for.”

It took almost three years from the proposal for the center in Hopkinsville until the doors opened on Monday, an event attended by more than 150 people.

The facility has 25 rooms which can each house two men in addition to a kitchen and dining room, a laundry facility, a common room and several other features. The center also touts a “homey” feel.

“This is not just a homeless shelter,” said Michael Munley, an Army veteran and a state service officer who provides aid to veterans needing help with issues such as employment and medical bills. “They will have programs that deal with drug rehab, education benefits — you can actually stay here and go through vocational rehab.”
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