Veterans Housing: Why it Matters

Steve PonTell, President and CEO
National Community Renaissance

As the nation’s housing crisis grows, one segment of the population is being hit particularly hard. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night – this, despite efforts such as HUD’s Veterans Affairs Supporting Housing program, which has provided tens of thousand of rental housing vouchers to veterans threatened by homelessness. Vouchers are great and make a difference – up to a point. The real issue – as with our housing crisis generally – is a shortage of units and continued resistance at the local level to allowing additional multifamily and affordable housing options into their communities. Our veterans deserve better. Americans deserve better. That’s why we’re committed to being part of the solution, helping to expand quality housing opportunities for veterans and those in need across the country.

One Veteran’s Story

Richard Porras

Richard Porras looks back on the most difficult point of his life and sees it as a blessing. “I found out that more people out there care than don’t care. Homelessness took the negativity away from me,” he says in a voice slowed by years of drug abuse and living on the streets. Today, Richard lives at the Fountains at Sierra, a 55-and-older community in Fontana, California. There he has found a support network of residents and staff who make him feel at home and connected — and who have helped him stay clean and sober for the past decade. “When you’re out there and need help, you can find it,” he says. “I am so grateful for where I am.”

Richard was one of 44 residents featured in the Dreams of Hope book that was presented at our 2018 Evening of Hope gala.

California: Stepping Up for Veterans

With voter approval of Proposition 1, California will be able to fund development of 50,000 affordable housing units for low-income families and veterans. The $4 billion bond measure passed by a strong 54 percent majority. Along with Proposition 2, which authorizes $2 billion in bonds to fund housing programs for people with mental illness, and Assembly Bill 2162, which will streamline the approval process for affordable units, the Golden State has taken an important step forward in addressing the need for safe, affordable housing for veterans, the homeless and working families.

Helping San Diego Create Supportive Housing for Veterans

San Ysidro Senior Village

This month, National CORE joined the San Diego Housing Commission and other regional leaders in breaking ground at San Ysidro Senior Village, a high-quality permanent supportive housing community for seniors experiencing homelessness, including senior vets. It’s one of several projects in San Diego we’re proud to be a part of, including Vista del Puente in Seacrest, scheduled to open next month with 38 units for homeless veterans; and Encanto Court, under construction with eight units for veterans. To read more about the San Ysidro groundbreaking event, please go to San Ysidro Senior Village Groundbreaking.

National CORE Staff Recognized by the IREM Inland Empire

Monique Felix and Aaron Armstrong

National CORE congratulates Monique Felix and Aaron Armstrong for being recognized at the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Inland Empire’s 2018 Management Excellence Awards on November 9. The IREM is an international community of real estate managers dedicated to ethical business practices, maximizing the value of investment real estate and promoting superior management through education and information sharing.

Monique was honored with the Multifamily Regional Management Professional Excellence Award and was nominated by Angela Lindsey, Vice President of Property Management, for her can-do attitude, unparalleled customer service and ability to make a great difference in occupancy, the reduction of delinquency and completion of certifications for the 16 communities she oversees. Aaron was nominated in the category of Maintenance/Facility Management Professional by Traci Moran, Director of Marketing for United Paving Company. Traci stated that United Paving wanted to recognize Aaron because of the way he respects and supports everyone he partners with, and the way he is very diplomatic in his approach to business. “We appreciate his passion for excellence and the additional hours he puts in to help with National CORE and Hope through Housing events in our communities.”

Please join National CORE in congratulating Monique and Aaron!

Photo courtesy of IREM Inland Empire

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