Veterans group proposes Roan Mountain property for housing, services and therapy programs

Greg Jenkins, representing the American Veterans Emergency Response Team, asked the commission to consider making a property in the Roan Mountain area available to support homeless veterans.

Jenkins said his organization provides case management for veterans in crisis — covering homelessness, suicide risk, food insecurity and medical care — and supports full re‑entry into housing and employment. He said he had identified a property (formerly used as a disc‑golf course) and proposed using it as a hub for housing, feeding and therapeutic services including canine and equine therapy. Jenkins said the program would serve veterans whether they are local or transient and that he has experience running similar programs in multiple states.

He told commissioners the group can provide free medical care for homeless veterans and their families during an upcoming Veterans Day event in the Tri‑Cities area and sought a location to operate ongoing services and a potential partnership with county emergency services and local providers.

No formal county action was recorded during the meeting; Jenkins directed commissioners and the public to follow up with Commissioner Avery and invited questions after the meeting.