Veteran Programs

At Utica Center for Development, we are committed to providing compassionate, accessible support tailored to the unique needs of veterans. Our programs are designed to foster connection, stability, and well-being—whether you're navigating housing challenges, seeking mental health support, or looking to reconnect with your community. We're here to help, every step of the way.

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Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program

Relational Peer Support & Community Connection

The SSG Fox SPGP honors Veteran Parker Gordon Fox, who served as a sniper instructor at the U.S. Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning, GA. Known for his generosity and kindness, SSG Fox tragically died by suicide in 2020. This program, funded by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, enables community-based suicide prevention efforts to meet the needs of veterans and their families through outreach, suicide prevention services, and connection to VA and community resources.

Services Provided:

  • Peer support and case management
  • Education on suicide risk and prevention for families and communities
  • Assistance with VA benefits and other federal, state, or local benefits
  • Support for emergent needs related to health care, daily living, financial planning, transportation, temporary income support, legal services, and childcare
  • Other services aimed at improving mental health and reducing suicide risk


Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Housing First: Prevention & Rapid Rehousing

SSVF provides case management and supportive services to very low-income veterans and their families to prevent the imminent loss of a home or to identify a new, more suitable housing situation. The program also rapidly re-houses veterans and their families who are homeless and might remain homeless without this assistance.

Services Include:

  • Outreach and case management
  • Assistance obtaining VA and other public benefits
  • Housing counseling and legal services
  • Rental and utility assistance
  • Childcare supports, moving and storage costs, and transportation

PFC Dwyer At Ease Oneida County

A New York–Focused Initiative for Connection & Recovery

Named in honor of PFC Joseph P. Dwyer, an Army medic who served in Iraq, this program was established to help veterans meet with other veterans in a secure, comfortable atmosphere to help each other cope with the effects of PTSD and TBI. The Vet-to-Vet approach allows for complete anonymity without fear of reprisal.

Program Features:

  • Peer-to-peer support groups
  • Social activities and community service
  • Confidential, one-on-one support
  • Assistance navigating the transition to civilian life


UCD Food Pantry/Donation Room

Available to All, with Priority for Veterans
The UCD could not be more proud of our ability to be able to serve our veteran clientle and our community members with our food pantry and donation room. Both are stocked by our incredible donators and also with funding directly from our agency. Our food pantry and donation room are available to all veterans twice a month, and non veterans as one time use. Operating hours for the food pantry/donation room are 9 AM to 1 PM Monday through Friday. Please contact our front desk to find out what we accept for non-food donations...

Permanent & Transitional Supportive Housing

The Utica Center for Development currently offers seven permanent supportive units in our main Utica location. Permanent supportive units are units for homeless Veterans to stay as long as they wish. The Utica Center for Development currently offers ten transitional housing units in our main Utica location. Transitional housing is a temporary stay where Veterans will work weekly with our case managers to assist them in rejoining society.