McCrory Announces Federal Grant for Veterans Life Center

Governor Pat McCrory on Monday announced a $4.2 million grant to be used for the creation of a facility for homeless veterans.

The Federal Community Development Block Grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,  is one of the largest in the state's history.  An unused state building in Butner, which is located just north of Durham,  will be converted into the Veterans Life Center, where homeless veterans will be able to find the services and assistance they need to become independent. The Center will provide clean, safe housing, as well as such services as vocational education and mentoring. 

The governor said in a statement released on Memorial Day, "Perhaps the greatest way we can honor our military men and women who died in combat is by recognizing the men and women who fought right beside them. That's exactly what this facility will do. It will take care of those combat veterans who have sacrificed so much for so many of us."

Among the services to be offered are counseling for substance abuse and mental health and nutrition services, professional counseling services and life skills development.  The goal is for as many as 150 veterans to achieve self-reliance in two years or less, and the program will serve veterans from all areas of North Carolina.

Governor McCrory observed Memorial Day with a visit to Davidson County, where he spoke at the the 27th Thomasville North Carolina Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.