Veterans Find New Hope in Southfield’s Former Holiday Inn
Southfield, Mich. is buzzing with excitement as the authorities break ground on an inspiring project aimed at helping veterans who have faced tough times. A former Holiday Inn hotel, which closed its doors in October, is set to undergo a significant transformation into a Veterans Village.
Turning Visions Into Reality
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, dedicated to supporting veterans, is the driving force behind this enriching initiative. On a recent Tuesday morning, representatives from the foundation along with city leaders gathered at the site to celebrate the start of renovations. The plans involve a comprehensive gut renovation of the building, investing millions of dollars into this endeavor to create a welcoming haven for those who served in the military.
Gavin Naples, the Vice President of Tunnel to Towers, emphasized that this facility will not just be a temporary stop for veterans. “It will not be transitional housing,” he insisted. “Veterans who seek refuge here can choose to stay for life.” This permanent housing solution comes with a range of supportive services designed to help them thrive academically, socially, and economically.
A Long List of Supportive Services
The initiative promises a lot of valuable resources for the residents. Naples shared that the Veterans Village will provide case management, employment support, and even legal advocacy services designed to help integration back into civilian life. “We’ll provide entitlement support and peer support for our veterans as well,” he added, highlighting the holistic approach they are taking to ensure that veterans are set up for success.
This undertaking marks the foundation’s fifth facility nationwide and is particularly special as it is the first of its kind in Michigan. Southfield Mayor Ken Siver, who has been actively involved in the efforts, expressed his satisfaction with the smooth planning process. “It was pretty smooth sailing,” he said, reflecting on the collaborative efforts that made this groundbreaking day possible.
Personal Stories Ignite Hope
The project also resonates deeply with local veterans. Ed Williams, a Vietnam veteran, recently took a tour of the former hotel and expressed his excitement about the project. He reflected, “I was truly impressed.” For Williams, a facility like this could have been a lifeline during his own struggles post-service. “If I wasn’t lucky enough to have a place, I would put this on my list to give great consideration to it,” he mentioned. His sentiment speaks volumes about the necessity of such avenues for veterans.
A Community United
Nearby residents are just as enthusiastic about the project. Barbara Boggs-Hughey, a Southfield resident, shared her thoughts on the community’s role in supporting veterans. “As a community, we need to do that. We need to stick together. We need to help one another and be our brother’s keeper.” Her friend, Dr. Lois Berrien-Jones, echoed her sentiments, reinforcing the idea that caring for one another is essential for communal harmony.
Local Businesses Join the Effort
Businesses in the vicinity are also considering how they can contribute. Sheila Torres, a long-time employee at Starters Bar and Grill, sees this project as a great opportunity for collaboration. “I think it’s a good thing,” she shared. “They sacrificed a lot, to go and fight for us. They should have somewhere they can go and have a home.” She passionately questioned what anyone would want should they end up in a similar position. It’s the human experience that resonates deeply in her thoughts.
Looking Ahead
The new Veterans Village is expected to open its doors next year, bringing with it a renewed sense of hope and community support for veterans in the Southfield area. The project promises to be not only a fundamental life-changing service for many but also a beautiful illustration of how communities can come together to uplift those in need.
