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Hanceville council green-lights veterans housing development

Cullman Times - 2/14/2020

Feb. 14--HANCEVILLE -- A local nonprofit with big plans for helping veterans get back on their feet after serving their time in the military is finally free to forge ahead with plans to finish a veterans-only housing development in Hanceville.

After an uneventful public hearing at Thursday's regular meeting, the Hanceville City Council approved the rezoning of a piece of residential property on the city's east side from R-1 to R-3 residential -- a designation for multiple-occupancy dwellings. The property, which houses a duplex currently undergoing renovation to serve as apartment housing for veterans, already had been recommended for the change by the city's planning commission.

Thanks to a partnership between Saving Forgotten Warriors, local Realtor and property owner Richard Neese, and support from local businesses, organizations and people, the home for at-risk veterans will assist those who need help making a successful transition from active duty to everyday living.

The duplex, along with a separate house on the property, will function as ADA-compliant living space for veterans and their families, as well as a resident site manager. As many as 12 veterans at once will be able to live on the property.

In a previous interview with The Times, Saving Forgotten Warriors' Jeremy Hogan said the development will function as temporary housing for veterans who need a small assist, while serving as a more long-term solution for those facing more deeply-entrenched obstacles to rejoining civilian life.

"Some veterans will come to us who just need short-term conditions. They're not really addicts or alcoholics; they're just trying to get back on their feet," he said. "You'll see them spend about three months or so with us to make sure they've got everything they need to be successful.

"But then there are others who've pretty much been living on the streets on their own for a couple of years...When veterans come to us in need of help, the goal is to actually help them make a productive and stable life, and that requires a commitment beyond just a short-term place to stay."

To learn more about how you or your organization can get involved in supporting Saving Forgotten Warriors, contact the organization's main office at 256-747-5006, or email Jeremy Hogan at jjhogan@savingforgottenwariors.com.

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