Providence, RI – Turning Point, an affordable-housing community project of the Rhode Island Veterans Action Center (RIVAC), will soon accommodate 14 veterans and their families who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless.
The $3 million building effort, expected to be completed by fall, is the largest single project that RIVAC has undertaken on behalf of veterans since it was established in 1974, according to Johanne P. Washington, executive director of the Vietnam Era Veterans Association, which operates the center.
The project is being managed by OMNI Development Corporation, Providence, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing affordable housing and is affiliated with a variety of state and federal organizations. The Bailey Group of Warwick is the contractor. Six single-bedroom apartments and six two-bedroom apartments will occupy the second floor of a new building at 1380 Broad St., Providence, where an unoccupied Benny’s store previously stood. A second building around the corner at 24-26 Calla St. is being rehabilitated to provide two more single-bedroom apartments.
The first floor of the new 15,546sf building will provide space for three commercial units. One unit is yet to be leased. The other two will be occupied by a police substation that already existed at the site and facilities for RIVAC support services – not only for the veterans who live in the complex, but veterans all around Rhode Island.
“Several financing sources helped fund Turning Point,” Washington said. “However, our organization must work assiduously to raise the money for operating expenses for the programs we run for veterans in every community in the state.”
The R.I. chapter of Associated General Contractors (RIAGC) recently presented a check to RIVAC executives on behalf of the commercial contractors organization. Eric F. Anderson, executive director of RIAGC said, “Helping veterans avoid homelessness is an extremely worthy cause that we are proud to assist. It is unthinkable that any veteran who has put his or her life on the line for our country should have to face homelessness.”