More than 30 veterans in need now have roofs over their heads at Freedom’s Path at Vancouver.
Homeless and disabled veterans started moving into the new 50-unit residence on Vancouver’s Veterans Affairs campus two weeks ago.
Thirty-five units are occupied, said Jason Bolinger, property manager.
Most of the new arrivals “are happy to have a place to call their own,” Bolinger said. “One gentleman broke down in tears.”
Several other applicants are in the paperwork process.
On Wednesday, many of the common areas and community spaces were still being furnished as the facility prepared for its formal ribbon-cutting ceremony, from 9 to 11 a.m. on Sept. 21.
Freedom’s Path at Vancouver is on the north edge of the Veterans Affairs campus. The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the project partners. Prospective tenants must apply through the VA; they can call 360-798-7935, Bolinger said.
The residence’s location can make it easier for veterans to access case management and medical care from VA, said Karen Weeks, an official with another project partner. Weeks is director of asset management for Communities for Veterans.
The Florida-based developer has opened two similar communities, one in Texas and one in Illinois. Across the system, Weeks said, their clientele tends to be men over 55.
Another partner is Solutions for Veterans, which will host the ribbon-cutting. The organization provides services such as “dress for success” clothing programs.
Thirty-six of the apartments are one-bedroom units that measure 735 square feet; 14 studio apartments are 425 square feet. The units are designed for no more than two people per apartment, although a third person might be eligible, depending on the relationship.
Occupants can’t have pets, although service and therapy animals are allowed, said Bolinger, who is with Pinnacle Property Management.
Freedom’s Path was built on 1.31 acres of land that had been used for a parking lot adjacent to the campus entry at 1601 E. Fourth Plain Blvd.
The apartments are unfurnished, other than beds that were donated.
The price tag for Freedom’s Path at Vancouver was about $13 million.
