New housing for disabled, homeless Veterans in northern Illinois will soon be available. It's called Hero House, and it's located at a renovated site in Freeport. The six-unit permanent supportive housing structure is said to be the first-of its kind for northwest Illinois. The project was spearheaded by the Freeport Area Church Cooperative.
Dean Wright is the cooperative's executive director. He says it's about giving some of these Veterans a better chance to stay off the streets.
"Supportive housing basically puts the veteran in their own apartment, which brings them more stability to their life. That makes it easier to case manage," Wright said.
The apartment units will be offered to honorably discharged veterans who meet certain criteria.
The effort is being funded through various grants, including a large grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.