The Crossroads Hotel in the Town of Newburgh kicked out numerous military veterans from their facility to make room for newly arriving migrants who are not United Stated citizens, several sources have reported.
The United States military veterans were previously homeless and were placed in the Crossroads Hotel to live, according to New York State Assemblyman Brian Maher. A total of 15 veterans were kicked out by hotel management to make room for a busload of 60 immigrants sent to the Town of Newburgh by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Thursday. The migrants are not legal United States citizens, said Newburgh Town Supervisor Gil Piaquadio.
The Super 8 Motel and the Hampton Inn, both in Middletown, also reportedly booted veterans to create availability in case New York City wished to send migrants to them. Representatives of all three hotel chains declined to comment.
“Veterans sacrificed to defend our country. All that they’ve asked for in return is the same opportunity afforded to other Americans,” explained New York State Senator Rob Rolison. “Displacing homeless veterans from shelters and supportive housing is appalling. I’m proud to stand with Assemblyman Maher and our friend Sharon Toney-Finch to oppose the unconscionable treatment of those who have fought to keep us free.”
Toney-Finch, the CEO of the Yerik Israel Toney Foundation, said she and her team scrambled to find temporary housing for the displaced veterans.
“Whether you agree or disagree with migrants being housed in the Hudson Valley, I believe all of us can agree that this issue should not negatively impact our homeless veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country,” Toney-Finch explained.
“The failure of the federal government to better manage the migrant crisis is hurting the very people who served and protected this county in the military,” Maher declared. “While I have empathy toward the migrants who are being used as political pawns, it is unconscionable that veterans in need are being so callously cast aside in this crisis.”
Maher has introduced a new legislative bill that would prohibit the displacement of homeless veterans from shelters or supportive housing.
“Never in my life did I think we’d need to outline something as fundamental as protecting the housing needs of our homeless veterans, but here we are,” Maher continued. “Our veterans matter – their service, lives, safety, well-being and dignity matter.”
Maher and his team have put together care packages for the veterans and are encouraging members of the community to put their energy towards assisting veterans and other displaced residents who are in need. He personally visited the veterans to thank them for their service and to apologize for their mistreatment.
“While I will be working on legislative remedies, my team and I will be hands-on working with local charities to make sure our veterans and at-risk populations that may be displaced are taken care of. I invite members of the community to join us in this effort,” Maher concluded.
Those who would like to help support the displaced veterans can donate to a “meal train” at https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/kw8qv2. Individuals and local school children are welcome to write “thank you for your service” cards to the veterans. There is also a need for hygiene product donations or gift cards to meet these veterans’ needs. For more information on helping the veterans, contact YIT directly at info@yitfoundation.org or call (845) 701-9429.
