Veterans Outreach Center Eyes Free Legal Services, Emergency Housing

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Those who work at the Veterans Outreach Center in Utica strive to serve and honor local service members not just one day out of the year, but every day. Cara Thomas reports about their latest renovations and projects to come.

UTICA, N.Y. -- Food and shelter are two basic necessities that many veterans unfortunately don't have, that's where the Veteran's Outreach Center of Utica steps in.

"We have a full donation room, full food pantry. We have case management services, Internet cafe for veterans and their family members," said Executive Director Vincent Scalise.

Since the veterans center opened in 2009, employees have been making improvements to the building and expanding their services little by little.

Over the past year, they've done renovations throughout the building, including on the sub-level where they're making space for the new Utica Community Food Bank.

"That construction is almost complete. We did major improvements to the first floor with the class rooms, the heating and cooling systems," said Scalise.

The Veterans Outreach Center also has plans to transform their three upper floors into emergency housing. But construction for that can't happen just yet.

"We're going to be putting on a new roof, come the spring. We almost have all the funds secured that we need for that so we're moving forward," Scalise said.

In terms of new services, starting January 15, veterans will be able to receive free legal services. Syracuse University's College of Law is opening New York's first veteran's legal clinic. Utica will be one of their satellite locations.

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Veterans Outreach Center Eyes Free Legal Services, Emergency Housing