American Legion Post 107 in Hoboken announced this week that the Post’s nonprofit Veterans Center of Hoboken has received a generous grant of $100,000 from the JBJ Soul Foundation, founded by Jon Bon Jovi.
The money will support the efforts of the post to create new housing and supportive services and provide homeless veterans with a place of their own.
“We know that even one homeless veteran living on the streets is one too many,” Post 107 Commander John Carey said. “They are heroes who served our country and sacrificed, and now need a helping hand.
“We are grateful to the JBJ Soul Foundation for such a generous grant, which will help make the vision of an expanded Veterans Center a reality.”
Bon Jovi said the program matches his foundation’s mission.
“JBJ Soul Foundation is dedicated to continuing our work with veterans, addressing issues of hunger and homelessness, and we are all inspired by the Veterans Center of Hoboken,” he saidi. “The Center is not only expanding with 18 additional furnished housing units but is also providing services including physical and mental health care and employment opportunities for these struggling veterans.
“This is exactly the kind of mission and positive impact the Foundation is proud to support.”
Hoboken Councilman Phil Cohen thanked the JBJ Soul Foundation for partnering with American Legion Post 107 on this extraordinary project.
“I believe we have a moral duty to ensure the men and women who honorably served our country have a roof over their heads and receive the critical support services they deserve after all they have given our nation,” he said.
Donations from individuals, civic groups, small businesses and corporations will be matched dollar for dollar until the challenge grant is fulfilled. Gifts from $25 to $25,000 are eligible.
After its Hoboken headquarters was demolished by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, American Legion Post 107 rebuilt a flood-resistant facility that includes six units of affordable housing for homeless veterans. By adding 18 units, the Veterans Center will be poised to substantially, permanently reduce veteran homelessness in Hudson County.
To Support the Veterans Center of Hoboken, visit Hobokenlegion.org/give or mail a check (made payable to Veterans Center of Hoboken) to 308 2nd Street, Hoboken, NJ, 07030.
