What help is available for Veterans in Seneca Falls?

When Mike Nye of Fostoria was named recently as Seneca County Veteran of the year, it served as an important reminder of what our veterans have done for both Seneca Falls and the country. The 71-year old served in the US Army, including during the Vietnam war, before embarking on a career in repairing machinery. He has also served as a Legionnaire in various roles and actively volunteers and mentors in the community. Mr. Nye shows that most veterans make a success of their lives after service. But some vets struggle to identify appropriate health resources, secure accommodation, and a job on their return, with some also facing significant mental health challenges. Fortunately, help is available in Seneca to ease this challenging transition.

Around 576 military veterans live in Seneca Falls, with 159 aged 18 to 54. Most of these veterans will have been successful at settling back into civilian life. However, many veterans struggle with such a dramatic change in their life. This is often intensified by the challenges they face finding a job, accommodation, dealing with changes in their relationships, and any trauma from their military service. The US government has developed some country-wide services for veterans to help ease the transition. But there are significant gaps in this provision. Fortunately, several organizations have been independently set up to bridge the gap and help veterans settle into their communities, begin building a career or recover from their war wounds.

Homelessness is one of the major problems facing returning veterans. This is due to economic hardships, mental health issues, social isolation, or substandard housing. In New York state, more than than 1,000 homeless people are ex-military. However, there are local organizations in place to help. Supportive Services for Veteran Families is a program run by Great Lakes Community Action Partnership that offers housing for veterans and helps cover security deposits, first-month rent, moving costs, and provides advice on budgeting. Seneca Housing is another non-profit that helps create housing for homeless veterans in the county. Seneca Fall veterans also can apply to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for a home loan to help them purchase a property. Using a VA loan calculator will help you find the right rate and terms for your needs.

As a result of their rigorous training, experience, and the personal skills required to serve in the military, most veterans have a good work ethic. In fact, more veterans are employed in the US than non-veterans, while many others run their own businesses. The New York State Department of Labor Veterans’ Program helps veterans gain a competitive edge in today’s job market. You’ll get priority places in all training programs within the state and first priority for jobs you are qualified for. Alternatively, there are various training programs to help entrepreneurial veterans start their own businesses. While veterans are twice as likely to start up their own business compared to non-vets, according to the Small Business Association, most Americans prefer to buy from businesses run by a veteran. So it’s a win-win.

Returning to civilian life after a career in the military can be very challenging, especially if you are returning with military-related injuries or health problems. Finding somewhere to live, getting a job, and managing your money can also seem pretty daunting. Fortunately, several organizations and programs in Seneca Falls and New York State can help veterans get back in sync with non-military life.