A new center to serve veterans is in the works, and the aims to raise $2 million by New Year’s Day to make its plan a reality.
The Volunteers of America Veteran Service Center would create a one-stop shop to help veterans with education, employment aid, counseling, clothing and legal assistance. Part of the facility will be dedicated to helping veterans and their families who are homeless or on the edge of homelessness.
The VOA owns the property, which is a two-story, 25,000-square-foot building at 1247 Santa Fe Drive, and plans call for an extensive remodel to create the facility in a resurgent Denver neighborhood, close to downtown and within walking distance of the Auraria campus light rail station.
“Veterans have to go from pillar to post to get services once they’ve fallen into homelessness,” said Dianna Kunz, president and CEO of the VOA in Colorado.
Veterans being helped by the VOA, including those with homeless issues, now have to maneuver among three locations, depending on particular pursuits. Once the new facility is open, veterans will be able to spend less time running around and more time focusing on programs.
About 20 VOA staffers serving veterans will be able to work under one roof, making communication and coordination among staff more effective as well, Kunz said.
“We have a need and a place to be,” Kunz said. “A singular place to be.”
The VOA works with the U.S. Veterans Administration, and other agencies, as part of its veterans resources.
Demolition work and removal of asbestos have been completed at the site, and the VOA has raised more than $300,000 toward the project.
Lilly Hackett, 56, a Marines veteran who served from 1977 to 1981, moved to Denver three years ago and was unable to find work.
She spent time living with friends, but that came to an end. Several health issues, including severe hearing loss, further complicated Hackett’s life. She lived in inexpensive motel rooms in the metro area for a while but never felt safe. She described the situation as dangerous.
Now temporarily residing at the VOA’s , a homeless shelter for women and women with children, Hackett is tapping into veteran’s assistance programs to get back on track.
“It’s pretty stressful,” Hackett said of her current situation.
In addition to all the programs in one location, the new center also would serve as a gathering place for vets where they can support and encourage each other.
“It’ll be triage for homeless vets,” Hackett said.
The building design calls for wide-open rooms with exposed ceilings, a cafe and a courtyard garden.
Kieran Nicholson: 303-954-1822, knicholson@denverpost.com or twitter.com/kierannicholson
Volunteers of America
2660 Larimer Street, Denver, 80205
In operation since: 1896
Staff: 274
Annual budget: $18,920,000
Percentage of funds to clients/services: 90 percent
Number served last year: 200,000
