BUFFALO, N.Y. — On this Veterans Day weekend, we wanted to tell you more about a facility in Buffalo that specifically serves those who have served.
As we reported last week the Veterans One-stop Center received just over $1.5 million in federal tax dollars to help play a crucial role in the lives of veterans and their families as they support men and women who may be at risk or homeless.
It began its mission in 2013 and now the Veterans One-stop Center located on Niagara Street is a welcoming presence for those who may still be dealing with PTSD from their wartime experiences and coping with numerous side effects, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, or even the risk of veteran suicide with a national rate of 33 percent in 2021.
The 30 staffers of this center include case managers but they also provide outreach and peer support for struggling veterans who may be resistant to seeking help.
One-stop Director of Veteran Services Apple Domingo said they try to blend the VA Healthcare system and community health providers for services for vets.
"The referral process for their mental heath is happening at our case management level, and we make sure that wherever it is, they're comfortable getting that support and assistance. That's what we're doing for the veteran," Domingo said.
She added: "Having a feel good community center like this, the hope is to encourage the veterans who want to come to just avail of the services to begin with. Once they are in, our peer support specialists would talk to them and discuss the needs that they have. There's a trust that's being built."
The center has helped over 300 local veterans find some sort of housing to stem homelessness. That extends to their loved ones, according to Domingo.
"When dad is homeless, or where mom is homeless, and that means the entire family is going to be homeless, so the support is extended to the entire family," Domingo said.
Their low-key approach may really appeal to proud men and women trying to readjust.
Veterans One-stop Center President/CEO Adam Howard puts it this way: "We're not on the news too often in general, and that's exactly the way we like it. We're focused 100 percent on doing the work everyday, and you know, it's an honor to be a part of it."