The City of Placentia, in partnership with the County of Orange, Mercy Housing California, and New Directions for Veterans celebrated the grand opening of the Placentia Veterans Village today. The celebration marks the official opening of a permanent supportive housing development in Orange County designed to serve military veterans who are homeless or disabled.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to all of our partners and providers who made this development possible,” said Placentia Mayor Ward Smith. “It means so much to me to know that we are able to help the women and men who risked it all in service to their country. The Placentia Veterans Village is more than just providing a place to live; it’s about creating homes and building community. I am extremely proud to cut this ribbon today and give back to our veterans who have given so much to us.”
“As a Navy Veteran, this development is very personal to me,” said Council Member Craig Green. “Our veterans deserve a place that they can call home, where they have an opportunity to rebuild their lives after sacrificing so much.”
The development is located within a 3.65-acre site comprised of two parcels; one is owned by the Orange County Flood Control District and the adjacent parcel was privately owned. The development is located adjacent to a newly constructed street near the intersection of Orangethorpe Avenue and Lakeview Avenue; north of the Atwood Flood Control Channel. The property was vacant and was frequently used for illegal dumping. The new address for the Placentia Veterans Village is 1945 Veterans Way.
The Placentia Veterans Village includes fifty (50) furnished apartment homes (forty-nine (49) for veterans and one (1) for one-site management unit), a courtyard, community garden, recreation room, energy efficient design and appliances, computer room, and resident services offices. Veterans will have access to comprehensive on-site supportive services including case management, physical and mental health services, employment services, life skills training, and counseling.
“There is no greater responsibility than to end veteran homelessness and to make certain that those who have served our nation have a home they can call their own,” said Placentia City Administrator Damien R. Arrula. “We could not be more excited to welcome these veterans into our community and we look forward to them taking full advantage of the services and amenities the Placentia Veterans Village has to offer.”
“I’m proud that my fellow County Supervisors and I have been a part of this rewarding development to provide permanent supportive housing for veterans who have served so honorably on behalf of our country,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “We are glad to know that Placentia Veterans Village will make a difference every day in the lives of Orange County veterans experiencing homelessness.”
“Placentia Veterans Village is a beautiful community, one that reflects the commitment on the part of so many to end veteran homelessness in Orange County and across the State,” said Ed Holder, Vice President of Mercy Housing California. “We know this will be a transformative setting that will change lives and create new opportunities for our veterans who have so faithfully served our country. Mercy Housing and New Directions for Veterans are deeply grateful to the City of Placentia, County of Orange, and the many partners who have made these new beginnings possible. We are proud to celebrate with them today.”
For additional information on this development, please visit www.placentia.org/veteransvillage or call the City of Placentia at (714) 993-8264.