North Charleston Launches Veteran Village Initiative to Combat Homelessness

North Charleston’s New Veteran Village: A Home for Heroes

North Charleston is gearing up for a major transformation as a once-popular hotel off Ashley Phosphate Road closes its doors for good, marking the beginning of a heartfelt mission to provide homes for veterans. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping veterans, held a groundbreaking ceremony on October 30, 2024, to kick off the conversion of the former Comfort Suites into a supportive housing center. This innovative project aims to make a significant dent in veteran homelessness, one room at a time.

A Warm Welcome for Veterans

During the ceremony, many community members gathered to witness the start of something truly special. The foundation plans to transform the Comfort Suites into what they’re calling a “Veteran Village,” with 90 apartments designed specifically for veterans in need. The excitement in the air was palpable as speakers highlighted not just the hope of a roof over their heads, but also the gift of a supportive community where veterans can thrive.

“It’s not just about providing a place to stay,” said Gavin Naples, vice president of the foundation’s Homeless Veteran Program. “It’s about giving veterans their dignity back and offering the services they truly need to regain their footing.” Unlike temporary shelters, each veteran will have their own apartment with supportive services to help with everything from job placement to mental health resources.

The Vision Behind the Village

The plans for the renovated hotel are comprehensive. Each unit will feature a small kitchenette, offering a degree of autonomy that is incredibly important for these heroes. The first floor will be transformed from its previous life as a hotel lobby into a spacious multi-purpose center, complete with a gym, clothing closet, and a resource center where veterans can access essential support services. The approach ensures that no veteran feels isolated or without options.

The foundation’s effort in North Charleston mirrors their successful prototype in Houston, where a similar conversion turned a 161-room hotel into permanent housing for 131 veterans. By investing over $11.6 million into the purchase and renovations of the Comfort Suites, Tunnel to Towers is sending a clear message: they are committed to ending homelessness among veterans, one community at a time.

Community Matters

Though the numbers of homeless veterans can be shocking, community response and engagement play a crucial role in addressing these challenges. The 2023 point-in-time count revealed that South Carolina had 393 homeless veterans at that time, but many believe the actual number to be higher when considering those who don’t seek out services. This new project couldn’t come at a better time.

North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess didn’t hesitate to express his gratitude. “We need to be the light for our veterans,” he said passionately, standing among a crowd made up of passionate supporters of the cause. “When I see veterans on the streets, it breaks my heart. This town was built on the backs of our military members, and it’s time we return the favor.”

What This Means for Veterans

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has been steadily expanding, gathering momentum by helping thousands of veterans (over 10,000 since the project’s inception) across the nation. They’re not just aiming to house veterans but also to build a community that fosters rehabilitation, integration, and happiness. As Brad Blakeman, a board member of the foundation, put it, “We are not solving homelessness overnight, but we are creating a foundation of support that our veterans can rely on.”

For every veteran that walks through those doors, a unique journey begins. Whether they’re struggling with mental health issues, finding stable employment, or simply looking for their next step in life, Tunnel to Towers provides a sturdy bridge. With connections to behavioral health specialists and other vital services, these veterans will receive the comprehensive care Americans can be proud of offering.

Join the Mission

As the North Charleston community rallies around this noble endeavor, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation welcomes volunteers and advocates to lend a hand. Whether it’s participating in events designed to foster camaraderie or providing resources for veterans, every bit helps. Bill and Sue Pollard, local Gold Star parents whose son lost his life while serving, even highlighted the importance of supporting such initiatives. “Some gave all, but all gave some,” Bill remarked. “Now, it’s our turn to give back.”

Tune in as North Charleston embarks on this life-changing mission, reaffirming that heroes deserve more than just a thank you– they truly deserve a home.