Veterans Bridge Home highlights housing support needs during Wake County meeting

In a recent Wake County government meeting, the pressing issue of veteran support and affordable housing took center stage, highlighting the urgent needs of the community. Paul Allen Berry, a veteran and senior director of Veterans Bridge Home, shared poignant insights into the struggles faced by local veterans. He revealed that last year, his organization assisted around 300 veteran families, with a significant portion identifying as Black or African American. Many of these veterans sought not just housing support, but also assistance with income, utilities, and food—underscoring a critical need for enhanced collaboration among service providers.

Berry recounted a troubling story of a veteran who, despite receiving referrals to multiple organizations for help, found himself sleeping in his car. This stark reality illustrates the gaps in support systems and the necessity for a more integrated approach to veteran services. He emphasized that Wake County is seeing an influx of veterans, with estimates suggesting an increase of 700 to 1,000 new veterans each year. The question remains: Are they being adequately housed and employed?

Tim Orgen from Evergreen Construction Company also addressed the meeting, discussing the company's long-standing partnership with Wake County in developing affordable housing. He noted that their latest project is already seeing high demand, with over 150 people on a waiting list for just 56 units. Orgen highlighted the demographic of their typical residents—mostly seniors living on fixed incomes—further illustrating the urgent need for affordable housing solutions in the area.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments from commissioners, who expressed gratitude for the robust public engagement and the voices of those advocating for the most vulnerable in the community. While no immediate decisions were made, the discussions underscored a collective commitment to addressing the housing crisis and supporting veterans in Wake County. As the public hearing remains open for further comments, the community's call for action continues to resonate, urging local leaders to prioritize these critical issues.