Veterans in Westchester say they're concerned that they'll wind up back on the streets, as the only local transitional housing program prepares to shut down.
Glen Ramos, of Pleasantville, returned from active duty after four years as a Marine and also a changed man. He says he lost his wife, son and home in North Carolina. Relatives in Westchester County took Ramos in as he recovered from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Many of Ramos' buddies suffered the same fate and wound up homeless. They eventually turned to Breaking Ground at the Montrose VA after hitting rock bottom.
The transitional housing program was recently the focus of a News 12 special investigation that unearthed allegations of filth and medical neglect at the facility. The New York City nonprofit that runs it called the accusations baseless, but just last month, it announced that Breaking Ground would close by the end of the year due to a lack of need.
Since then, several veterans called News 12, claiming they have not been offered alternative housing. Many didn't want to appear on camera out of fear of losing what little they have, but Ramos says he's afraid of losing his friends more than a roof over his head, and that's why he came forward.
Breaking Ground says it is promising to find new homes for all 70 of its veterans before it shuts down for good. It tells News 12 that weekly meetings are being held to keep residents up to date and it is trying to identify housing solutions for all veterans that include family reunification, federal rental vouchers and assisting living options.