Reality House celebrates vets putting their lives together

As new shelters for homeless individuals around the city are causing uproar among their communities, Reality House in Astoria is strengthening its community ties.

Along with Urban Upbound, which was formed out of the East River Development Alliance last year, Reality House held a celebration to honor local citizens who have risen above their circumstances and found employment in a difficult economy.

“Getting a job in this economy during this time and this government is no easy feat,” said Urban Upbound Employment Coordinator Ruth Taylor. “That’s why once a month, what we do is we host these parties to celebrate people in Astoria who are employed.”
The Reality House was established last July as a 30-bed facility aimed at veterans who face issues such as homelessness and substance abuse. Director of Operations Hewitt DePass said he is happy to have found a community partner in Urban Upbound, and to be aiding veterans on the road to employment and self-determination.

“Often times people wonder what we do here, especially because we have lights on at night that change colors,” DePass said. “We try to reintegrate them into society in a six to nine-month period. We get them job training and housing. Just today, one of our veterans received his CDL license. Others have moved on and attended culinary school.”

Dan Brown, veteran representative at the Queens Borough President’s office, issued congratulatory certificates to several veterans and non-veterans alike who have benefited from the services of Reality House and Urban Upbound, and who have recently attained employment.
George Davis was well-known for his quick wit and sharp tongue among the Reality House staff during his residency, but he said placement into a job working with autistic children helped to mellow him out.

“I get the opportunity to see a certain side of life that a lot of us don’t see and take for granted,” Davis said. “It’s given me patience and humility, something I have had to work on a long time.”
Enrique Casteneras said he came to Reality House after battling a cocaine addiction for decades. When he joined the military, he already had a drug problem, but it was made worse by his assignment to a drug interdiction unit in South America.

After being discharged under less than honorable circumstances, Castaneras’ problem only worsened, until a few months ago he made the decision to uproot himself from his addiction and seek help.

Reality House serves as refuge for former soldiers like Castaneras, and DePass said his team is always looking for veterans who are in need of help getting back on their feet.

“Anywhere you find there is a veteran who could benefit from the services we offer, that would be great,” DePass said.