BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) — The Rhode Island Veterans Home wants to take in more veterans, but in order to do that, the center needs to hire more employees. Kasim Yarn, the state's director of veterans affairs, says there are currently 144 residents at the community living center, but more than 200 veterans are on the waiting list. "Right now the waiting list is over 15 months," Yarn told 12 News on Thursday. LEARN MORE: Rhode Island Veterans Home Career Fair The R.I. Office of Veterans Services is hosting a career fair on Thursday and Friday at 480 Metacom Ave. in Bristol to try to hire up to 30 more staff members. According to Yarn, the veterans home is looking for licensed practical nurses (LPNs), certified nursing assistants (CNAs), and culinary professionals. Career fair attendees will be able to tour the facility, interact with veterans, and talk to people who already work there. Attendees will also be able to apply and interview for open positions. Yarn said his office is authorized to make conditional job offers on the spot for outstanding applicants. "The magic number is 16," Yarn explained. "Once we get 16 staff members, we can safely open up A2. That's the unit that's closed right now." That section of the community living center has been closed for several years. If it were to reopen, Yarn said 166 veterans would be able to live at the facility. Korean War veteran Richard Pandozzi has lived at the veterans home for 17 years and wants more people to become residents. "We need people here to service our veterans," he said. "The people who went to war, who went in harm's way for you all." WATCH: Office of Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn on 12 News According to Pandozzi, the Rhode Island Veterans Home is a great place to live and work. "The place is beautiful," he said. "I'm gonna be honest, it's the people who make the place." You can learn more about the career fair by clicking here. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW