EHGAZETTE

During a week of memorials for our nation's fallen and former soldiers, East Hartford Congressman John B. Larson joined the Community Renewal Team, Inc. to dedicate a residence reserved for veterans marginalized by society.

Larson joined local veterans, community and business leaders at CRT Veterans Crossing, a 12-room transitional living space geared just for homeless veterans at 22 Colt St.

"On the battlefield, the saying is ‘leave no solider behind,' and here at home our commitment needs to be ‘leave no veteran behind,'" Larson said.

CRT has already moved five veterans out of their existing state of homelessness into the rooming house. There, are getting care, including CRT's results-based intensive case management, and other services such as mental health and substance abuse counseling, employment services and education. The help is funneled to Veterans Crossing by both CRT and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Members of the United States Armed Forces receive months of training to help them become good soldiers. But when they return from service, many receive no help in reintegrating to civilian society. By providing housing and transitional services over a substantial time period, up to over a year, Veterans Crossing provides pathways to success for those who have had trouble making the transition on their own.

According to Chris McCluskey, CRT's Director of Forensic and Veterans Services, veterans make up a disproportionate share of the nation's homeless - representing more than one quarter of homeless people - while comprising just 11 percent of the civilian adult population. CRT is close to filling the remaining seven spots at the East Hartford facility, McCluskey said.

"It's a beautiful facility, handicapped accessible, and hopefully it will make a difference in someone's life along the way," said East Hartford Mayor Melody Currey. "CRT has been an absolute partner in helping people in East Hartford all along the way, from energy assistance to the homeless shelter, meeting the needs of people."

The program grew out of CRT's previous successes in transitional and supportive housing, homeless shelters and criminal justice programs, through which the agency is currently serving more than 250 households.

A Last, Best Hope

Mark Hurlburt was a successful, honorable member of the team during his service in the United States Marine Corps. But when he returned home to unstable family and living situations, he lost his footing in society.

When a workplace injury cost him his career in sheet metal manufacturing and a fire took all of his possessions in 2009, problems with alcohol mounted. He ended up spending a cold winter living in his truck without as much as a winter coat to stay warm.
But since his issues hadn't stemmed directly from his military service, he was reluctant to seek VA services. Only as a last-ditch effort did he find his way to the VA office in West Haven. Strong relationships between the VA and CRT led to a referral to the new Veterans Crossing program, and Mark became the facility's first resident in April 2010.

"I think this is my last, best hope of conquering my problems of depression, grief and alcohol abuse," Hurlburt said. "I've tried short term programs before, but I can stay here nine months or more."

Mark has already become an active member of the Veterans Crossing community, helping with maintenance and landscaping projects and even appearing on National Public Radio to speak about the program.

He is also growing into the larger East Hartford community through meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and other support groups and hopes to begin training for a new career in air conditioning and refrigeration repair.

"I finally realize that the community is so much bigger than I am," Hurlburt said. "I will try my best to move on from here."

Closing the Gap

While serving only a dozen veterans doesn't seem like much of an effort in an issue estimated ti impact 1,000 veterans in Connecticut, the program's holistic rehabilitative approach within small communities is eyed as the key to dealing with an issue of national significance, McCluskey said.

"This is not a program for homeless veterans. This is a program to end homelessness among veterans," McCluskey said, echoing the sentiments of U.S. Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. "Local initiatives are crucial. While much effort may begin in Washington, we won't even begin to reach our most modest targets unless local efforts are resourced, creative, aggressive, determined and successful."

With support at the national level from the Department of Veterans Affairs and private groups such as the Home Depot Foundation as well as local organizations including the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, American Eagle Federal Credit Union, the Hartford Courant Group, Industrial Aircraft Lodge 1746 and American Legion chapters, the project has showcased the power of partnership in tackling a complex national issue at the local level.

"I know how engaged and active and, in general, how committed CRT is throughout this region," Congressman Larson said. "What a great partner to have. What a great group of dedicated individuals. What an incredible, worthwhile project to be involved in."

For more info call Patrice Duffus, program coordinator, at (860) 560-5675 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .