An ambitious effort to end veteran homelessness in Collier County is one step closer after county elected leaders on Tuesday unanimously agreed to lease two rental homes in East Naples to Warrior Homes of Collier. The local nonprofit assists veterans in need with housing, mental health support and access to higher education.

In a 5-0 vote, the Collier Board of County Commissioners approved an initial one-year lease, with subsequent annual options to renew, of two vacant, county-owned homes in the Bayshore area. 

With three available beds in each home, the addition of the two new homes to its residential inventory will now allow Warrior Homes of Collier provide stable housing to 39 brave men and women in the community who served their nation with duty and honor.

“This couldn’t come at a better time,” said Commissioner Rick LoCastro, noting how the vote occurred one day after Veterans’ Day and on the same morning that commissioners approved several resolutions honoring those who served, noting the county’s goal of being the “most veteran-friendly” in Florida.

Warrior Homes of Collier currently operates four residences for local veterans: Alpha House, a short-term, transitional residence for those in recovery from substance use disorders; Bravo and Charlie Houses, which serve seniors on fixed incomes who receive rent subsidies (known as supportive housing); and Delta House, a supportive housing complex with 10 apartments for up to 20 veterans, both men and women. 

The new properties will be used to provide further supportive housing.

Beyond providing a roof over their heads, Warrior Homes of Collier also connects veterans with support services such as mental health counseling and peer support through David Lawrence Centers, as well as educational opportunities, including college scholarships. Residents pay rent on a sliding scale, but never more than 30% of their income.

“Our philosophy is that no veteran should be left behind,” Warrior Homes board member and treasurer Tom Buckley said at Tuesday’s meeting. “We have people right now ready to move in.”

The agreement stipulates that Warrior Homes of Collier pay the county $1,000 per month, per property, to lease the two rental homes, which the county bought more than 20 years ago for $1.12 million as part of a seven-lot parcel near Bayview Park that it planned to convert into beach and boat access.

The expansion plan approval comes just days after Warrior Homes of Collier announced that it had raised more than $1 million at its annual Hope and Honor Gala to help pay off the purchase of Delta House.

The 10-year-old nonprofit also recently received a $110,000 donation from The Schoen Foundation, created by late Naples businessman and healthcare executive William "Bill" Schoen, a Korean War veteran and founder, CEO and board chair of Health Management Associates, Inc., and a former chairman of Commerce Bank of Naples.

For more information on how to donate to Warrior Homes of Collier, including details on legacy and planned giving options, visit wwcollier.org/donate.

About Warrior Homes of Collier 

Founded in 2014, Warrior Homes of Collier is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting the needs of veterans and their families, with a focus on housing, mental health and education. The vision of Warrior Homes of Collier is to ensure that no veteran in need is left behind in the county. Through its work and efforts, and community awareness and collaboration, Warrior Homes of Collier provides much-needed resources and programs to meet the needs of local veterans who served with dignity and honor. These brave warriors need the support of the community and deserve safe, clean and accessible housing, as well as support with mental health and wellness. To learn more, visit https://wwcollier.org