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. “Turning Point will provide both homes and services,” he said. “As with all our services throughout the state, its ongoing operation is highly dependent on grants and donations – large and small – from businesses, associations and individuals as well as the government agency loans that enabled us to finance the project. We are very appreciative of whatever anyone can give.”
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, Warwick, R.I., 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 15,546 square-foot 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. Services provided at this location and others throughout the state include transport for needy veterans, an employment and training program, finance management tutoring and a course in workplace social skills along with an introduction to computers. Other programs include help in finding safe, affordable housing, benefits counseling, substance abuse counseling and homemaker services.
“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.”
As Eric F. Anderson, executive director of the R.I. chapter of Associated General Contractors, presented a check to RIVAC executives on behalf of the commercial contractors organization, he 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.”
David Rampone, RIAGC president, said, “Many daunting tasks become possible when everyone pitches in. We encourage others to make the many moderate donations that will help RIVAC meet its goals.”
The Rhode Island Veterans Action Center is the only community-based veterans service organization in Rhode Island. It is one of only seven such organizations in the country recognized by the Veterans Administration. A mainstay of its fundraising effort is its annual report for which the organization currently is soliciting ads that range from $100 to $795 and family donations that generally range from $25 to $75.
The R.I. chapter of Associated General Contractors of America Inc. (RIAGC) represents the leading general contractors, construction managers, specialty contractors, suppliers and service providers that construct a majority of the corporate, institutional and public projects in southeastern New England. The RIAGC promotes construction workforce development, safety, professional education, positive labor-contractor relations and the principles of skill, responsibility and integrity.
