The Five Star Veterans Center provides housing, a meeting place and other services for post-911 veterans. Many of these men and women suffer from post-traumatic syndrome. This is the only program of its kind in Northeast Florida.
The center on Acme Street off Atlantic Boulevard, not far from NEFBA offices, currently houses 23 veterans. The program’s goal is to restore each veteran to an independent, productive life in the community.
Benchmark Homes recently partnered with Mike Sanville Plumbing and Manning Building Supplies to assist Builders Care with renovations for the center. Renovations consisted of adding showers for the in-room bathrooms in the women’s area, creating additional rooms, painting the rooms, and installing plumbing, electricity, tile and cabinets.
Many other community partners were also involved in this worthwhile effort. Home Depot sponsored a wing of apartments for the center. The company funded the project and provided employee volunteers for the labor force.
Each veteran is provided a furnished private room with bath and three meals a day. In the past 15 months, 30 veterans have transitioned back to independent living after nine to 12 months at the center.
“We believe veterans deserve our help in these difficult times, especially considering the sacrifice they made for our country,” said Matt Wilford, Builders Care executive director. “We consider it a blessing to be part of this amazing work.”
The center serves both male and female veterans. Caseworkers are available to assist with securing benefits and a computer-training laboratory gives veterans the opportunity to train for skilled positions.
Retired Marine Col. Len Loving, who is CEO of the center, believes, as stated in the mission statement, “it is now our turn for the ultimate call to duty — that of giving back to this great nation by serving veterans in need and by defending the promise that is America.”