Boise breaks ground on apartment complex for homeless veterans

The Boise, Idaho, government is tackling a major issue in their community by building an affordable apartment complex specifically for homeless veterans.

Valor Pointe, which is expected to open in summer 2020, will be a 27-unit complex with two fully-accessible units and 25 adaptable units. The complex will contain classrooms, a fitness room, a community lounge, a therapeutic garden and a computer lab, according to the Idaho Statesman. The complex will also offer health care services, on-site mental health counseling and substance abuse treatment services.

“Valor Pointe is the second housing development in our city that utilizes the Housing First model, providing community members with a secure and stable place to live, along with essential services needed to help them get back on their feet,” Boise Mayor Dave Bieter said in a city news release. “I could not be prouder and more grateful to our community partners who committed to addressing such a complex problem for our most vulnerable veterans.”

The city broke ground on the project on July 22, according to Idaho TV station KIVI Boise. It’s expected to cost $6 million, and funding will primarily come from low-income housing tax credits awarded by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Other funding will come from Boise, Ada County, Idaho, non profits, the private sector and individuals.

“This is a major step in bringing community resources together to build something we believe will help heal and restore the lives of many veterans experiencing homelessness,” Gerald Hunter, president of Idaho Housing and Finance Association, said in the city’s news release.