Raleigh council committee OKs funding for homeless vets housing

Raleigh, N.C. — The Raleigh City Council's Budget and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday approved funding for an additional phase of an affordable housing project aimed at getting homeless veterans in Wake County off the street.

A $1.2 million, 10-unit apartment building, subsidized by the city, Wake County and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is already scheduled to open in May at 409 Sunnybrook Road.

Tuesday's vote by the committee was in favor of spending
$400,000 to help build an additional 10-unit apartment building. The City Council must still approve the funding.

Debra King, chief executive officer of the nonprofit CASA, said the project is the first of its kind in Wake County aimed solely at veterans.

"If we can get them into those apartments and charge them an affordable rent, they make changes in their life that put them on a productive road," King said.

The location is central to a local veterans service center, close to WakeMed and along a public transportation line.

Tenants will pay 30 percent of their monthly income for their rent.

Seventeen of Wake County's approximately 300 veterans are already on a waiting list.

"People who put their lives on hold and answer the call of our country and serve us deserve better than what they are getting," King said.

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Latest Comments

Keeping your property clean has absolutely nothing to do with being a VET or being homeless. I live in a very upscale neighbor and we still have those who will not keep their places clean. If you treat people with compassion and respect, you will be amazed at what they will do in turn.

Defiant
February 14, 2013 8:33 a.m.

Would be nice if the builder would chip in a little bit too & help reduce the cost. All tenants should be expected to maintain their unit to a high standard & be subject to inspection & if they do not take care of & appreciate said unit, go back out on the street. Give them a hand up, not a handout, so to speak!

Wake1
February 13, 2013 1:30 p.m.

I can't help but to have reservations about this. Veteran or not- and certainly most people want the best for the vets- the 'homeless' crowd isn't exactly known for their excellent housekeeping skills. I just hope this home built at large taxpayer expense, isn't turned into an trash heap/flop house.

htomc42
February 13, 2013 8:28 a.m.