By Matthew Monks
Monserrate, chairman of the Council's Veterans Committee, said the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence was lacking caseworkers, mental health services, and suitable job training for its 410 clients. The veterans are often at the bottom of the list for permanent housing and some residents abuse drugs in the bathrooms, the councilman said “As we understand there is a substantial degree of substance abuse on-site here,” Monserrate said, adding that the 108th Precinct should crack down on unruly clients.Resident Harry McNeary, 44, said he sometimes sees people getting high or dealing drugs on the property at 21-10 Borden Ave.”People with substance abuse problems are going to use drugs,” he said. But Kevin Simmons, 48, another resident, said that was not his biggest problem. He said the facility has cut programs that would make it easier for him to get back on his feet. “There used to be a program that helps veterans get jobs. No more,” Simmons said. Robert Chambers, 58, was among the scores of residents Monserrate said had problems with the food. “They serve us food that's not nourishing and it's repetitious,” Chambers said. “We be fed like animals.”Monserrate, who toured the home with veterans advocates and representatives from the city Department of Homeless Services and Community Board 2, said he will visit other homes for a City Council report that will recommend improvements to veterans services.”We all have a responsibility to ensure that when our troops return home they receive the treatment and services that they so rightly deserve,” Monserrate said. “We will work with the residence's administration to make sure that happens. These conditions are unfortunately symptomatic of a system that is failing our veterans on every level.” Reach reporter Matthew Monks by e-mail at news@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 156.
