Despite MVAA communication problem, Veterans get a voice.

The MVAA has had a big communications problem when it comes to the new vets home project. Today, they corrected that problem and addressed the concerns of the resident veterans at the GR home.

The vets home held its monthly nursing unit members council meeting today, and unlike most meetings, guests were invited. Among those attending were myself, Catherine Kooyers, a known advocate, Catherine Buckley of the American Legion and former commander of the Neil Fonger post in Walker, two city of Grand Rapids city commissioners Joe Jones and Ruth Kelly, a representative from the governors office was there, (can't remember her name either and I know what it is) and 2 representatives from State Congresswoman Winnie Brinks office, from MVAA we had Phil Yeiter Contract and his assistant.

Not in any particular order.. This was my first time seeing Tracy the new administrator who took over Scott's job, in action and I tell ya I was impressed. Also the new CEO who took over Leslie's job, was there and was introduced. Not sure about her as it was only her 4th day on the job. So I will give her time to settle in before I form any opinions.

The meeting was set up by Cathrine Kooyers to give residents a voice to the City Council members, and the MVAA showed up with pictures of the new home and to help settle some issues the residents were concerned about.

Phil Yeiter and his Assistant from MVAA did a GREAT job explaining where the New Veterans Home Project stood. This is the information that has been lacking and causing distrust and uncertainty among veterans and others.

They explained how the grant money from the VA would not only affect the new GR home, but the other homes the MVAA wants to create to replace the one big home model that we currently use. Answering one of the residents questions they told us how the MVAA wants to build homes in the 5 areas around the state, and how they are now looking for property to place these other homes on as near term and long term goals. However first up and foremost is to get the new GR home project going as that is what will bring in the federal money.

They also did a good job of explaining how the home would be built as a bi-level facility, meaning 2 levels due to the 30 foot slope between Coit and Monroe Ave. Specific questions about the construction of the new home, the water problem, etc were asked, and it was decided to try to get the architect firm to come to the home to answer questions by residents and others having concerns about the new homes location. Everyone agreed to that and thought it would be a good idea.

Many questions asked, many answered, but some residents like Kevin, are confused about the new home. If it has only 120 beds, what will happen to the other veterans? also asked was what would happen to the Domiciliary unit. Answer to both is that the current facility would remain open to house those people who did not move to the new GR home, or who wanted to go to the Detroit home after its built, and Dom would stay in the current facility, All current residents would have a place to stay either in one of the new homes, or in their current location.

They explained why the home needed to be put where its going to go. Apparently the state does not own the land the old clinic sits on, but does own the building. and the owner is not cooperating with the state. Also, because of the layout of the new home, if it were to be put there, there would be a problem because of the train station which is a historical building (where the clothing room is) it cannot be touched.

Questions were asked for nearly an hour and Rob wanted to get the normal member meeting done, so Tracy politely explained the situation and put an end to the questions so Rob could hold his normal member meeting. MVAA people went out to the hall to answer questions there while Rob finished up the member meeting. MVAA stayed until everyone left, to ensure every ones questions were answered.

During the normal member meeting, Tracy mentioned that the recent member survey showed the food situation was as usual the biggest issue. And Renee talked about a new program involving residents to improve the meals. Since I am no longer a resident I had to keep quiet.. Man I tell you she was speaking within 3 feet of me and I had to bite my tongue to avoid yelling at her "bullshit!" and "ya had 7 years to do this, what took you so long?!!", but I kept quiet.

Over all I think this was a VERY productive meeting and one that needed to happen. The MVAA is on the brink of finding out if we got the VA money to go ahead with the project and then they have a short time period to get things rolling. They expect the announcement any day now. So this meeting was very important.

Now I think everyone knows what is going on, and why, and is behind the MVAA and supporting the moving forward with this project. People left the meeting no longer feeling confused but feeling good about the new home.