Homeless veterans move into new Raleigh homes
The $1.2 million, 10-unit Sunnybrook Apartments is the first of its kind in the area to help get disabled, homeless vets to get off the street.
Posted — UpdatedThe $1.2 million, 10-unit Sunnybrook Apartments is the first of its kind in the area to help get disabled, homeless vets to get off the street.
Residents pay approximately 30 percent of their income for rent, and the remainder is subsidized by the U.S. Housing of Urban Development, city of Raleigh and Wake County.
The location is central to a local veterans service center, close to WakeMed and along a public transportation line.
According to a January 2012 survey called Point in Time Count, more than 140 homeless veterans live in Wake County. CASA, the nonprofit building and managing the apartments, has plans to open a second building nearby, as well as one in Durham.
Volunteers with the Wake Forest chapter of Ladies of Valor welcomed the new tenants with homemade quilts and food, appliances and other necessities for their new homes.
"It's going to help out a lot. It's one less thing I've got to worry about," said Bill Andruzzi.
Andruzzi, a former staff sergeant, was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force after 15 years of service. Last year, he got sick, lost his leg to an infection and then lost his job and ended up in a homeless shelter on Wilmington Street.
He's now taking classes and says having a place to call home will help him get back on his feet.
"I've got a lot of support," he said. "This apartment is just the beginning."
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