In recent months, community leaders have called upon their elected officials to identify development opportunities and alternative uses for Camp La Guardia, currently used to provide temporary housing and counseling services to roughly 850 homeless men. Camp LaGuardia not only serves as a successful program for those seeking to improve their lives, it remains a partner in the community, providing essential employment and critical economic support to residents of Chester and Blooming Grove.
This past year, Camp LaGuardia contributed more than $1.2 million in tax revenues to support area schools and local services such as fire and police protection. Camp LaGuardia has spent almost triple that amount in services from local businesses, vendors and contractors. Moreover, Camp LaGuardia hires over 250 professional staff from Chester, Blooming Grove and other parts of Orange County, making it one of the largest employers in the area.
These staff members are not only committed to making Camp LaGuardia a successful program for men who seek to change their lives, they are committed to ensuring the safety of the entire community. Those who would seek to close our program often cite the threat of danger posed by the men living at Camp LaGuardia. During the last year, local police arrested approximately 100 clients for infractions ranging from petty theft to disorderly conduct. According to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, there were more than 9,000 arrests made by local police authorities throughout Orange County in 2004.
The arrests of camp residents represent a small fraction of this overall crime activity in part because of our strong working relationship with local law enforcement agencies. We work closely with these agencies to ensure the safety of our clients and our surrounding neighbors. Despite concerns that Camp LaGuardia is driving down property values, nothing could be further from the truth. A recent report by the Orange County Board of Realtors found that the median price for single-family homes in Chester and Blooming Grove has increased to $330,000 in 2005, more than an 11 percent increase in 2005, from $297,000 in 2004.
Seldom recognized are the contributions made by staff and clients to the community. These include the maintenance of the Heritage Trail and Route 17 between Chester and Monroe, client participation in the cleanup of town events and festivals and recent events such as the community recovery fair for local residents who are battling substance and alcohol abuse. These efforts cannot be quantified monetarily; nonetheless, they continue to positively impact the entire community.
This year, Camp LaGuardia will place more than 700 men into permanent housing and employment. Many will become responsible taxpayers, who, with help from services and community encouragement, will leave the streets for good. The staff and leadership of Camp LaGuardia are committed to this mission and will continue to work closely with our neighbors and community leaders to ensure the safety and quality of life we all desire for our clients and staff and the residents of Chester and Blooming Grove.
Lance Alexander is Volunteers of America division director for Camp LaGuardia, in Chester.
