Foundation breaks ground on home for homeless veterans

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Tunnel to Towers Foundation broke ground Thursday on a brand-new residential facility for homeless veterans in Memphis.

The non-profit organization is on a mission to eliminate veteran homelessness in the city, turning a former hotel into a safe haven for America’s heroes at the Memphis Veteran Village.

The renovated 121-room facility will boast fully refurbished rooms complete with new flooring, furniture, fixtures, and appliances. Thursday the foundation gave a preview to the public of what’s to come.

“The first floor will be completely blown out for supportive services,” said homeless veterans program vice president Gavin Naples. “Gyms, multipurpose rooms, case management offices, dining halls, places for veterans to Interact with staff and other veterans showing the therapeutic aspect of what we have planned here.”

The veteran village will offer a wide range of life-changing opportunities including, job training, benefits assistance, education support, medical care and mental health counseling.

Matt Mahoney, executive vice president of Tunnel to Towers Foundation, says there’s a way for everyone to get involved.

“Once the facility is up and running we’re really looking forward to getting the community involved in the everyday lives of our veterans as they begin not put their lives back together,” Mahoney said. “Come in, cook with our veterans, celebrate holidays. That’s a big thing. Before, the holidays were in a soup kitchen. Now this is their home — permanent residences for them.”

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Slated for completion in 2025, this project will provide a home for over 100 veterans, giving them a fresh start and a chance to thrive.

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