On this day (November 11, 2021) where the people of this nation honor those who fought to protect the democracy and freedoms Americans cherish, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego led a delegation of local area dignitaries (including Congressional District Nine Representative-former Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, former Interim Phoenix Mayor Thelda Williams, District One Phoenix City Councilmember Ann O’Brien, District Seven Phoenix City Council Member Yassamin Ansari, District Two Phoenix Councilmember Jim Waring, Legislative District 20 State Senator Paul Boyer, LD 20 State Representatives Judy Schweibert, and Shawnna Bolick) in dedicating a new housing facility for 152 homeless veterans near I-17 and Cactus Road.
The location had been a former hotel which, with the support of Mayor Gallego, the Phoenix City Council, and an investment of ten and a half million dollars, has been converted and renovated to its new purpose in helping former soldiers in need.
Speaking at the dedication, Mayor Gallego said:
“We are evolving the City’s response to homelessness with a regional approach, where housing is available in a familiar area and near the support of family and friends. My hope and goal are to see more housing options become available throughout the valley. The welfare of the people of metro Phoenix is a shared responsibility.”
Phoenix Councilmember O’Brien offered:
“I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have U.S.VETS in my community. It is a tragedy that we still have so many military veterans who are homeless. I call on Phoenix to be a national leader in helping veterans lead the lives they deserve.”
Michelle Jamison, the Executive Director of U.S. Vets in Phoenix stated:
“We are so grateful to everyone who came out to the dedication of our new home this morning, especially Mayor Kate Gallego and all of the city and government officials and our partners. With renovations on the way, it won’t be long until we can move into our new home. Thank you for supporting U.S.VETS and the veterans we serve.”
Mayor Gallego and Councilmember O’Brien are both right.
The welfare of all Phoenix residents, including veterans, should be a shared responsibility.
It is a tragedy that many veterans, some with mental health issues, are forced, through no fault of their own, to live on the streets and beg the people they fought to protect for support.
That is not what America is supposed to be about.
Thankfully, Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council recognize that and are making efforts to make these heroes’ lives better.
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