A transitional housing program at the Veterans Administration hospital in Lyons is helping homeless veterans get back on their feet.

A national report reveals nearly 8,000 veterans are homeless in the Garden State. Many of those vets suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after serving in the Middle East.

Community Hope is a safe haven for veterans who need to work through their PTSD and substance abuse problems. Those who run the program say they have been seeing an increase in female veterans seeking help. They say National Guardsmen and reservists come to them for help as well.

The program has about 75 veterans in its two-year program. The organization plans to expand and add another 25 beds. There is currently a waiting list for vets trying to get into the program.

For interviews about the program and how it helps vets, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Related Information:Hirea Hero