(BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes project is underway as Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, along with Congressman Marc Molinaro, Chairman of the Broome County Legislature Dan Reynolds, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Senator Lea Webb, City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham, Sheriff Fred Akshar, veteran service organizations, and community members gathered to officially break ground today.
The project at 530 State Street in Binghamton will feature 10 ADA-accessible tiny homes, the first of its kind ever constructed in Broome County, consisting of five single units and five double units, fully furnished with appliances. Additionally, it will host a comprehensive resource center designed to serve the over 10,0000+ veterans who live in Broome County. The facility will include office spaces for organizations such as Broome County Veterans Services, Clear Path for Veterans, and Southern Tier Veterans Support Group, along with a shared workspace available for other community partners who provide veteran support services with veterans. A dedicated community room will be provided for educational and fellowship events, and the Food Bank of the Southern Tier will conduct weekly mobile pantry visits to the site.
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “Today marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to honoring and supporting our veterans. The groundbreaking of the Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes project signifies not just construction of physical structures, but our gratitude and dedication to those who have served. Together, we are building not only roofs over heads but the foundations of support for our veterans.”
Brian Vojtisek, Director of Broome County Veterans Services said, “Today’s historic announcement to provide a multi-function Veteran’s Resource Center here in Broome County, after years of postponement and delay, will finally provide our veterans a place they can call their own.”
Chris Flaherty, President and Chief Executive Officer of Clear Path for Veterans said, “Clear Path for Veterans has supported this initiative from the very beginning because having so many partners together in one place builds the community and connections that will be transformative for the veterans, service members, and military-connected families of Broome County.”
Ben Margolius, President of the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group said, “The groundbreaking for the Broome County Veteran Center represents a unified component of the county’s veteran-centric approach to our area veterans. Once operational, we will have many veteran services and agencies in one central location in proximity to the VA Clinic and the Binghamton Vet Center. With easy access, lots of parking, and location on the bus route, veterans will have easy access to many services in one location. The addition of veteran housing will also be a wonderful addition to house homeless or needy veterans. The Veteran Center will be a beacon of hope for our veterans.”
The project total cost is $12.2 million. Broome County will fund $9.05 million, while the remaining $3.15 million will come from partners Congressman Molinaro, Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Governor Hochul, Assemblywoman Lupardo, Senator Webb, Sheriff Akshar, and NY Empire State Development. The resource center and tiny homes will be substantially completed in early May of 2025.
“Our Veterans, who have sacrificed so much for us, deserve a first-class facility that they can call their own,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman & 5th District Legislator Dan J. Reynolds. “This new resource center will equip our Veterans will the critical services, support, and housing they need and rightfully earned while defending our freedom.”
“Every veteran in the Southern Tier should have access to safe, affordable housing and essential services. I am proud to have secured the federal investment needed to break ground on this long-sought project that will provide veterans in Broome County with a one-stop shop to access the important services they are fully-deserving of after bravely serving our country, all while creating good-paying construction jobs in the region,” said Senator Chuck Schumer. “Our veterans put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and that’s why I fight for them. I promise to continue to deliver resources for veterans all across Upstate New York.”
“When these brave men and women return home, we owe it to them to make sure they have the resources they need to provide for themselves and their families. I’m proud to support Broome County’s work to provide our country’s veterans with wraparound services and housing, and I’m grateful to everyone involved for helping get this done,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
Congressman Marc Molinaro said, “I am honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with Broome County officials to celebrate the progress of the Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes Project. This groundbreaking reflects our commitment to see this project through and deliver high quality care and support to our local veterans. I'm proud to see this step forward and will continue my fight for federal funding.”
“In the spirit of service and gratitude, we recognize the profound sacrifices made by our veterans and the importance of providing them with the essential resources they deserve,” said Senator Lea Webb. “I am deeply appreciative of the collaborative efforts among our partners at the County, State, and Federal levels, which have culminated in the creation of the Broome County Veterans Resource Center. This initiative, coupled with the establishment of new affordable housing options, marks a significant step forward in our mission to reduce the challenges faced by veterans in securing housing and accessing vital services. It is paramount that we support efforts that enrich the lives of those who have bravely served in our armed forces.”
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said, “I am very happy to see work underway on the new Veterans Resource Center and Tiny Homes development. This center will provide the kind of comprehensive support our veterans need and deserve, along with opportunities for housing. I’m proud to join together with many government partners and community leaders in support of this project. The $500K Assembly grant I secured is in recognition of the sacrifices our veterans have made, and the debt of gratitude we owe to each and every one of them.”
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said, “It’s our moral and patriotic duty to care for our veterans. Binghamton is proud to count so many past and present service members among our residents. Making sure they have the support and resources they deserve is a priority. This project builds on our ongoing commitment to the men and women who have selflessly served our country and helped protect our freedoms.”
