Renovation of the CDWV Christopher House is Now Underway.
Executive Director Dr. Christine Rem visits the project site where renovation of the CDWV Christopher House is underway.
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CDWV Christopher House - in South Troy, NY
CDWV Christopher House is the first of its kind.
 ​Picture of the Capital District Women Veterans Property at 515 First Street, Troy, NY
Along with the vital case management services, supportive housing creates the total environment needed to ensure effective service delivery to the residents. Safe, structured, homelike community housing is designed to assist each tenant in achieving her goal to return to self-sustaining independent living.
“CDWV Christopher House”, owned and operated by Capital District Women Veteran Program, 501(c3) tax-exempt not for profit. |
The Property History - In Memory of MAJ. Christopher Rem
MAJ. Christopher Rem originally purchased the house in October 2007, with a dream to use it as a supportive home for veterans.
Christopher was the devoted husband of COL. Christine Rem (Ret.), the Executive Director of the Capital District Women Veteran, who shares his dream for her maternal family's original home in South Troy, New York. (More about COL. Christine Rem) Christopher served 42 years with the U. S. Army, in the Reserve and 5 plus years on Active Duty as the Chief, Mobilization Branch, Deputy Chief of Staff (G3) Army Reserve Medical Command (ARMEDCOM), Pinellas Park, Florida. Christopher began his career as an enlisted soldier where he became a Laboratory Specialist. In 1999 Christopher graduated as a Registered Nurse from Samaritan Hospital School of Nursing in Troy, NY and received his Army Nurse (AN) Corps commission in 2001 and joined the Officer ranks as a 1st Lt. During his career, he advanced to the rank of Major, he loved his country, being a soldier and being a nurse. He especially enjoyed his tours of duty working with the local national families and children providing humanitarian assistance missions in Guatemala and with the Indian Health Service (IHS) Corps in Winslow, Arizona. Read more about– The Legion of Merit for Major Christopher A. Rem, Army Reserve Medical Command, from May 2, 2000 to May 1, 2010 |
MAJ. Christopher Rem and his wife COL. Christine Rem (Ret.)
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The Christopher House
A Property Rooted in a Military History
Located in South Troy, NY, the house was the first and only home of Christine Rem’s immigrant grandparents who settled in Troy in the early part of the 19th century. The home, built in 1898, was purchased by her grandparents John and Frances Guskie in 1920 and remained in the family until being acquired by Christine and later donated to the Capital District Women Veterans Program in 2015.
For 95 years, this house provided a warm and loving environment for the original nine children and countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren of John and Frances Guskie. In addition to the recent military service careers of Christine and her husband Christopher, the four sons of John and Frances enlisted and served their country during WWII. Christine’s father, Donald Gilhooley (husband of Teresa Guskie) received a Purple Heart for his service during WWII also.
In order for the house to meet the current design, structure, fire and safety standards of a community residence, renovations and repairs are necessary before a certificate of occupancy can be obtained.
For 95 years, this house provided a warm and loving environment for the original nine children and countless grandchildren and great-grandchildren of John and Frances Guskie. In addition to the recent military service careers of Christine and her husband Christopher, the four sons of John and Frances enlisted and served their country during WWII. Christine’s father, Donald Gilhooley (husband of Teresa Guskie) received a Purple Heart for his service during WWII also.
In order for the house to meet the current design, structure, fire and safety standards of a community residence, renovations and repairs are necessary before a certificate of occupancy can be obtained.
Christine's family history deeply rooted in the military since World War II. See Photos.
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In 2007, before leaving for Iraq, Christine purchased the property at 515 1st First Street in Troy, N. Y. and in 2008 after returning to the US began researching a business plan for the Capital District Women Veterans (CDWV). In early 2010 N. Y. State Not-For-Profit registration and IRS Federal Tax Exempt 501(c3) status were obtained.
Christine and her husband Christopher were on Active Duty in the U. S. Army for a number of years. Early in 2010, Christopher became seriously ill and was transferred to a Medical Hold Company for a medical retirement determination. Christine retired from the military in March 2012 and Christopher, passed away while on Active duty awaiting a medical retirement.
Having submitted the request to the City of Troy Planning Commission, the single family home was approved in 2013 for use as a community housing residence. In 2014, Troy Architectural Program (TAP) completed the first architectural designs and subsequently updated the designs in 2016.
Christine and her husband Christopher were on Active Duty in the U. S. Army for a number of years. Early in 2010, Christopher became seriously ill and was transferred to a Medical Hold Company for a medical retirement determination. Christine retired from the military in March 2012 and Christopher, passed away while on Active duty awaiting a medical retirement.
Having submitted the request to the City of Troy Planning Commission, the single family home was approved in 2013 for use as a community housing residence. In 2014, Troy Architectural Program (TAP) completed the first architectural designs and subsequently updated the designs in 2016.
Preparation For Renovation
Veterans Victory Garden
In 2016 and 2017 donations from various veterans groups and other charitable contributions enabled CDWV to replace a number of windows, perform necessary electrical upgrades, and begin site prep for a parking lot in the rear of the building.
Rensselaer County Heroes at Home organization provided a team of veterans who helped clear out the building in anticipation of the renovations. In the spring of 2017 this group also helped plant a Veteran Victory Garden and flower garden followed by a traditional Native American blessing ceremony held on June 14, 2017. Three Native American Women Veterans performed the Blessing Ceremony and many local veterans donated vegetable and flower plants.
Many thanks to all for your help and support and for supporting the CDWV Christopher House vision!
Rensselaer County Heroes at Home organization provided a team of veterans who helped clear out the building in anticipation of the renovations. In the spring of 2017 this group also helped plant a Veteran Victory Garden and flower garden followed by a traditional Native American blessing ceremony held on June 14, 2017. Three Native American Women Veterans performed the Blessing Ceremony and many local veterans donated vegetable and flower plants.
Many thanks to all for your help and support and for supporting the CDWV Christopher House vision!
