SECRETARY BEN CARSON WORKS ALONGSIDE VETERANS GROUP TO SUPPORT "NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS" IN PHILADELPHIA
As communities continue to combat the coronavirus outbreak, HUD is highlighting stories of Americans coming together to help their neighbors in need.

WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson today highlighted the Department's "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" campaign at a veterans' community in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As communities battle the coronavirus, Secretary Carson is meeting with business leaders, nonprofits, and community leaders to contribute to their response efforts.

Secretary Carson serving breakfast to veteran tenants at the Edison 64 Veterans Community

Secretary Carson visited Veterans Multi-Service Center's (VMC) Edison 64 Veterans Community, located on the former site of Edison High School in the Fairhill neighborhood of Philadelphia. Edison 64 carries out the goal of creating successful, independent lives for low-income veterans through a design of co-locating affordable housing, services, and communal space. Secretary Carson toured the facility and met with supportive services staff. Following the tour, Secretary Carson served breakfast to veteran tenants.

"As we are combatting the spread of the coronavirus, I've been inspired by the spirit of Americans across the nation to lend a helping hand to their neighbors in need," said Secretary Carson. "Today, I saw a great display of compassion towards others. It serves as an important reminder to take care of our most vulnerable populations, especially in these trying times."

The Edison 64 Veterans Community project pays tribute to those who committed their lives to serving our country. Edison High School experienced the loss of more students to casualties in the Vietnam War than any other school in America - 64 in total.

Past issues of the Department's "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" campaign include highlights of communities providing special care for homeless populations, businesses in Opportunity Zones stepping up to assist those in need, and faith-based organizations serving their communities impacted by the coronavirus.

A message from Secretary Carson and B-roll from the visit to Philadelphia can be viewed here (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wQdxiiahShQ_UBfP0VkHXypv8sKTTKCY/view).

Follow along to view more stories of #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors by following @HUDgov (https://twitter.com/HUDgov) and @SecretaryCarson on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or by visiting HUD's "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" webpage here.

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