By China Cassidy During a coat drive held by Veterans Services USA on Nov. 14, Director of Food and Beverage Operations Kevin Clancey revealed that the building where America’s Best Inn is located on Navajo Blvd. in Holbrook, is soon to be an apartment facility for veterans, low income seniors and small low-income families. Veterans Services USA is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing better services to veterans and low-income seniors within their local communities. Because of Holbrook’s size, Clancey explained that services such as adult day care may not be provided but the goal is to bring as many services as possible for veterans. “The state isn’t really recognizing this area to warrant services because they don’t feel there is a need. We’ve already proven the concept that there are people that are veterans that don’t want to go to Flagstaff or the Valley. They want to stay here, their family is here, and their contacts.” Clancy expressed the organization’s desire to not only bring more services to the area, but to provide more of long-term living solutions for veterans and low-income seniors rather than staying for extended periods of time at shelters meant to be temporary. Clancey explained, “So, let’s just talk about the (Bread of Life) mission. Where do they go after that? Once they leave there, they’re kind of on their own. What’s happening is there aren’t really any support services, so all they’re doing is contributing to a cycle that they’re in, or just staying at the Bread of Life. I think they (the mission) do an unbelievable job and they have it down pat super nice. But is it really good on somebody’s psyche to be there two, three, four years? Not really. We’re kind of filling in that pipeline to help. We didn’t realize that until we got here.” In addition to the motel, Veterans Services USA also purchased the former restaurant building in the parking lot where they will eventually open a facility to offer jobs to veterans wanting to transition back into the work field. To help residents at the facility who need to have remote evaluations, meetings or use other services that require the use of a computer or printer, Clancey and his team have already acquired a computer and a camera donated by a veteran’s group and the VA. Clancey said that the organization plans to invest approximately $2 million in the facility and if all goes as planned, they should be able to provide more services in the next couple of years. Clancey said that while their original intention was to assist veterans, they can also assist some low-income families. “We’re technically under the umbrella of low-income affordable housing so we help out. We do (monthly) leases and let people stay here and it helps us keep the lights on,” explained Clancey. For more information on Veterans Services USA, visit their website at www.VSUSA.org.
