Sarah Brown
Applegate Landing broke ground on its new veterans housing project in Lebanon Friday, Aug. 21. The 48-unit complex will house veterans, low income and those transitioning out of rehab.
“With our current and ongoing housing shortage in Oregon, we are excited to bring a new development to our city and for our veterans,” said James Lutz, developer.
Of the units, 12 will be set aside specifically for veterans, Lutz said. One will house the manager, and the remainder will have a veteran preference. One will be available to a person with a serious or persistent mental illness.
“It’s veterans-preference always,” Lutz said about the units that are expected to become available in a year. “Ultimately, if we don’t have a list of eligible veterans, then it will open up to folks with low income. Anybody can apply, but always a veteran will go to the top of the list.”
Applegate Landing also partnered with the nonprofit Crossroads Community, which will provide support services and work with adults transitioning out of the Teen Challenge program.
The facility will include an activity center to be used for services to its residents, such as health and dental screening, mental health care, drug and alcohol support meetings, financial wellness classes, education advancement opportunities, and workshops on job skills and home ownership.
Dale Jenkins, commander for the American Legion, said he’s “giddy” about the development.
“I’m working on getting Sweet Home to do the same thing,” he said.