PORT JERVIS, NEW YORK — Veterans working to rebuild their lives in a remote residential settlement in New York continue to face challenges linked to housing stability, access to services and transportation, according to project organizers and U.S. veterans' support officials.
The Rumshock Veterans Village, a tiny-home community under development in Port Jervis, is intended to provide long-term housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. Organizers said in June that the site remains under construction, with several homes completed while additional units are still being built. The first residents are expected to move into the community later this year, according to project officials.
Located on the outskirts of the city, the settlement aims to provide a stable living environment together with employment assistance, transportation support and other services designed to help veterans transition back into civilian life. Organizers said the location offers space for future expansion but also presents logistical challenges because residents may have limited access to nearby services without transportation.
"We are here to give back. Help them reintegrate into society," Tyler Whetsel, president of the Rumshock Veterans Foundation, told News 12. He said the organization hopes to expand the project in the future as demand for veteran housing continues.
The project was launched by Air Force veteran William Whetsel in 2019 after he sought to address housing difficulties affecting former service members. Following his death earlier this year, leadership of the initiative passed to his son, who has continued fundraising and construction efforts, according to project officials. State and federal funding has supported development of the site, organizers said.
The initiative comes as federal agencies continue broader efforts to address homelessness among veterans. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has encouraged veterans, service providers and community organizations to participate in its 2026 CHALENG survey, which identifies local gaps in housing and support services. The department said survey results help guide community partnerships and resource planning.
Veterans' organizations have also said housing is only one of several issues facing former service members, with social isolation, access to healthcare and employment remaining ongoing concerns in many communities. Advocacy groups say needs can vary widely depending on location and available local services.
As of Friday, construction at Rumshock Veterans Village was continuing, with additional homes under development before residents begin moving into the community. Organizers said work remains focused on completing the remaining housing units and support facilities, while details on future expansion have not been finalized.
