JACKSONVILLE, Onslow County — Onslow Community Outreach celebrated its 30th anniversary on Friday by introducing a new program to support homeless Veterans.
The organization will be implementing VETS (Veterans Emerging Towards Stability), a regional program assisting Veterans and military dependents and families in southeastern North Carolina.
“Extended stays, we will have office space, so community agencies for Veterans such as the Veterans Association can come into our location and provide services," says Executive Director Theo McClammy. "We will also provide transportation assistance."
The future building will be located at the former Piggly Wiggly 1210 Hargett St. The new building will be home to the soup kitchen, homeless shelter and housing program and management support services. McClammy says it will also serve as the distribution site for Christmas Cheer and help with neighborhood improvement activities in the New River District.
Onslow Community Outreach purchased the building in 2015 and planned to pay off the debt in five years. However, McClammy says the organization exceeded its goal by paying off the mortgage note in four years with the help of core supporters and donors.
Work has already started in the facility, and the organization hopes it will be completed by this summer.
McClammy says the organization plans to sell its current location when the new facility opens.
“Our intentions are to sell that property and because of its location, return it to retail or commercial use in the downtown Jacksonville area," he explains.
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