Last month, NHC member EAH Housing and Core Affordable Housinghosted a groundbreaking ceremony for Willow Housing, an $18 million community for homeless veterans. The development is located on the Menlo Park campus of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and will provide veterans with affordable housing in close proximity to VA services provided on the Menlo Park and Palo Alto campuses.
Willow Housing will feature approximately 43,000 square feet of interior footage that will house community amenities that meet the needs of veterans who will live in the community. The space will include amenities like an indoor gym, business center and community kitchen, laundry, offices for case management, leasing and maintenance and enclosed bicycle storage. Willow Housing is expected to meet guidelines for LEED silver certification and will also accommodate residents’ service animals and be fully ADA accessible.
“EAH Housing is passionate about serving those in need and Willow Housing will touch countless lives,” Mary Murtagh, president and CEO of EAH Housing said in a press release. “This is more than just providing a place to live; it’s about creating homes and building a community. We look forward to continue working with our partners to build both housing and hope.”
Many veterans returning home must readjust or are disabled and require supportive housing programs and assistance in order to successfully return to civilian life. Ensuring access to decent, affordable housing plays a major role in helping veterans to navigate back into society. NHC is dedicated to helping the housing community to continue to effectively address veteran’s housing needs by identifying solutions through research and developing policy responses. Our Veterans Rental Housing Working Group brings together housers and veteran service practitioners to identify policy actions aimed specifically at the rental housing needs of veterans. If you’re interested in joining the working group, email Rebekah King at rking@nhc.org. Additional veterans housing resources can be found on our website.
Veterans had the opportunity to give input on the building design and creative process through focus groups. Willow Housing is expected to be competed on Dec. 31.