In-the-News Update [Issue: Civil-Safe Society]

Two weeks ago, 2ndVote reported on a deeply concerning story about homeless veterans being evicted from a New York hotel to make room for migrants, seemingly for nothing more than a higher payout from the state. What was reported at the time was revealed to be a hoax orchestrated by a nonprofit group, the Yerik Israel Toney Foundation, according to an investigation by Mid Hudson News. Fortunately, this means that, in fact, no veterans were harmed in this situation. Unfortunately, this has greatly damaged the integrity of what would otherwise be a non-profit with a worthy cause of helping veterans. The group allegedly recruited seven homeless individuals from a shelter in Poughkeepsie, promising them money to pose as veterans and claim they were forced to leave a Newburgh hotel due to migrants.  

The New York Post initially reported that 20 homeless veterans were displaced, leading to public outrage and a legislative response. However, inconsistencies in the story emerged when a credit card bill presented as evidence was found to be doctored, and the hotel confirmed that no veterans had stayed there. The nonprofit’s executive director, Sharon Finch, changed her account multiple times. Eventually, seven homeless men came forward, admitting they were part of the scheme, enticed by promises of $200 and other incentives. Assemblyman Brian Maher, who had initially supported the veterans’ cause, admitted to being deceived and called for an investigation into Finch. The incident highlighted the need for verifying information and the potential harm caused by false narratives.