The facility is the first of its kind in the state -- and one of very few in the country.
The 75 units in the Silver Star Apartments are scheduled to open in September. The apartments are located on the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center campus and residents will have access to health care.
The apartments will meet a distinct need in the community, said Ed Kettle, public affairs counsel for Medallion Management Inc., which develops and manages residential communities in Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. There is a lack of facilities that offer long-term housing for homeless veterans, he said.
"There are very few places in the country that couldn't use facilities like this," he said.
Construction, which totaled about $10 million, was funded by HOME funds administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, the sale of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, and a bridge loan.
There are about 330 homeless veterans in Calhoun County, said Medallion Management President Mark Wester.
New residents must earn less than a maximum income but they won't be kicked out of the building if they start making more after they move in. Residents must contribute 30 percent of their incomes for rent. The remainder of housing costs will be covered by vouchers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
About 40 people have already submitted applications to live in the apartments, Wester said. The first notices letting people know whether they've been accepted will go out in the next couple of weeks. Decisions will be based on veteran status as well as credit and criminal histories.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow has advocated for this project for about two years. She toured the facility Monday.
"I can't think of a more important project than one for people who have no home but have fought for our homes," Stabenow said.
By: Annie Martin for Battle Creek, The Enquirer
Florida REO & Wholesale Properties
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