Executive director of The Utica Center for Development discusses some of the programs it offers to veterans and non-veteran
David L. Podos
Q: How long have you been the executive director?
A: Sixteen years. I am also the founder of the organization.
Q: Tell our readers about your business. I believe the center works closely with our veteran population, but I also think you provide services for non veterans as well, is that correct?
A: Yes, we work with both populations. Let me start off first with our services for veterans. So, we have numerous programs, some through the state, others through the county, as well as the Veterans Association. Our main focus where we put most of our effort on is to assist the homeless veteran. Currently, we have 30 units of housing specifically set aside for homeless vets. If for some reason we cannot house the veteran at one of our sites, we have subsidy programs that will house them through private landlords or other nonprofit housing. We also offer peer to peer programs where veterans work together to help one another. We realize that the peer element is very important for the vets as they oftentimes feel more comfortable talking to another veteran. We also have programs dealing with suicide prevention.
Q: Do you have information on what the national statistics are for homeless vets, as well as suicide statistics?
A: Yes, the national average is one out of every three homeless people are veterans. In regards to suicide, the statistics show that approximately 22 veterans per day will die from suicide. Thankfully we do have a suicide prevention program which includes our case managers along with collaboration with the Oneida County Department of Mental Health.
Q: In regards to homelessness, what are the causes that put people into this situation?
A: When you think about the homeless, there are many issues that lead up to a person and or family facing that situation. It usually takes years for someone to become chronically homeless. There are many factors that need to happen. For example, it could be addiction issues, mental health issues or financial instability or all three. So, once we find out how the person came into this terrible circumstance through our intensive case management, we work on that so this person will not become homeless again.
Q: How successful is your organization in preventing repeat situations where a person or family finds themselves homeless say two, three or more times?
A: We have a 98% success rate in preventing repeated homelessness.
Q: You mentioned that your organization also provides services for non veterans. What are those services?
A: The biggest part of our non veteran community is our youth programs. Our building is located in the former YMCA, so we have a full gymnasium where we offer open gym to our local youth every day after school and during school recess. Of course, we really do not turn anyone away who is in need of help. For instance, we receive calls from other nonprofits that for example have clients that are in need of furniture. We have furniture that we can give to that agency to help that client and his or her family. We also have some programs through the city of Utica that help those people who are not veterans but are in jeopardy of becoming homeless, so we help them out with payments for back rent and so forth.
Q: What’s on the horizon regarding any new services that you might be offering?
A: We are expanding our services to those with developmental disabilities. More info can be found on our website. I also want to make mention that everything that we do for the veteran we also do for their family. You can’t fix an issue unless you are working with the whole family. So, that is very important to us as we work with our veterans. We also own the YWCA building here in Utica and that facility has a pool, so very soon we will be able to offer swimming to our clients.
Q: What number of staff do you presently have?
A: Currently we have 35 staff. Most of them are full-time employees and we also have many amazing volunteers which we rely upon.
Q: Are the services you provide just for Oneida County?
A: Our services reach out to 12 counties throughout New York state.
Q: How are you funded?
A: The majority of our funding comes through the Department of Veteran Affairs. We also receive funding from Oneida County, the city of Utica, Oswego County, fundraising and donations.
Q: In closing, is there anything else you want people to know?
A: They can go to our website to see all our services and any up-coming events. That site:
For more information, visit ucdevelopment.org or call 315-765-0975.