It’s often said the biggest challenge facing veterans is housing. But at the first Veterans Resource Fair and Food Distribution held last Saturday at the Griswold-Terry Glover American Legion Post 803 in Southold, officials pointed to a broader set of issues affecting Long Island’s veteran community — including aging, declining health, financial strain, gaps in services for female veterans and a persistent reluctance among many to ask for help.
Roughly 80 veterans and their spouses attended the event, circulating among about 30 organizations serving veterans and active-duty military. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Southold Town Senior Services, the Suffolk County Department of Labor, VA Medical Center Outreach, Paws of War and the Wounded Warrior Project were on hand, connecting attendees with available programs and support services.
Getting the word out
Shannon Jones, an Army veteran from Bohemia, said the fair provided practical help at a time when costs are rising. Dressed in camouflage pants, she noted the value of both the information and the food distribution.
“It’s very resourceful, especially the produce from Long Island Cares because everything in the grocery store is going up,” Jones said. “And it was also helpful that they had people here who can help us with home repairs.”
Jones, who also worked at Calverton National Cemetery and a VA hospital, said services have historically focused on male veterans but are beginning to expand.
“Most of the services concentrate on men, but I think they’re starting to open up more services for women,” she said. “They need to get the word out.”
Housing instability
At a table for the Patchogue branch of the National Community Action Partnership, Army veteran Rich Dellasso described a recurring problem: housing instability among veterans living on fixed incomes.
“Some of these people are just above water financially,” Dellasso said. “When a property owner dies and the home is sold, they can lose their apartment. And when one spouse dies, the surviving spouse often can’t make ends meet — especially on Long Island.”
Evel Morales and his wife of 63 years, Belia, traveled from Brentwood to attend the fair.
“We came to meet other people who can help us,” Morales said.
His wife, who serves as his caregiver, said the couple left with useful information — and fresh produce.
“We can pick up some awesome vegetables, too,” she added.
‘Today is about supporting each other’
William Hughes, commander of Suffolk County’s Veterans of Foreign Wars and an Air National Guard veteran, said many attendees were unaware of benefits available to them.
“Most people here don’t know about all the services and programs they’re entitled to,” Hughes said, recalling a veteran who lost his hearing working on jet aircraft in the 1960s and was later helped by the VA to file a claim. “Today is about supporting each other.”
Marcella Leis, director of the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency and a veteran herself, said expanding services on the North Fork remains a priority.
“Being here today in Southold is a huge win for the community,” Leis said. “The county doesn’t have a large presence here.”
She added that stigma continues to prevent some veterans — particularly men — from seeking help.
“We want to get the message out that asking for help is a sign of strength,” she said.
Leis also noted that spouses often recognize service-related health issues before veterans do.
“We hear from spouses who are seeing hearing and cognitive loss that may be tied to service and could qualify for disability claims,” she said.
Female veterans, she added, sometimes hesitate to engage with traditional support networks.
“Some are embarrassed or don’t want anything to do with veterans organizations,” Leis said. “But they should know there are people who care and can help.”
Service animals
Long Island has one of the highest veteran populations in the country, though the number of World War II and Korean War veterans continues to decline.
At one table, Nate Gardner of Team Foster spoke with veterans about service dogs while his white Labrador, Kenzo, rested nearby.
“A dog can help with PTSD, nightmares and mobility,” Gardner said. “A dog can change a veteran’s life.”
He noted that the VA can cover medical treatment for service animals.
Transportation remains another barrier, particularly on the North Fork, according to Jacqueline Martinez of Southold’s Senior Citizen Program.
“Some vets can’t drive anymore,” Martinez said. “Getting to a doctor’s appointment or even going shopping becomes a challenge. We try to help.”
‘Heartbreaking’
June Schoenstein, 93, of Greenport attended in search of caregiver support for her 96-year-old husband.
“I left him home with the aide so I could come see if I could get help here,” she said, noting his disability and her own need for assistance.
Organizations like Rebuilding Together Long Island are working to address housing conditions through free or low-cost home repairs.
“It’s heartbreaking sometimes when we see the conditions people are living in,” said North Fork team member Catherine Harper. “We want to help those who can’t help themselves.”
Event organizers said the turnout was encouraging.
“I saw a lot of new faces,” said Justin Brtbig, veterans outreach manager for Long Island Cares Veterans Project. “We want to make sure everyone has access to the benefits they’ve earned.”
Outside the hall, veterans filled reusable bags with donated produce — oranges, squash, carrots, milk, butter, onions and yams — while pet owners picked up free food and toys for their animals.
