Clermont County breaks ground on Veterans Village for homeless vets

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CLERMONT COUNTY, Ohio (WXIX) - Clermont County has broken ground on a new Veterans Village aimed at housing and supporting unhoused veterans in the region.

The groundbreaking took place Tuesday on the more than $10 million project, which is located adjacent to Mount Holly Christian Church. Planning for the village began in 2023, led by Clermont County and the county’s Metropolitan Housing Authority.

‘300 veterans who experience homelessness on any given night’

HUD estimates veterans account for more than 8% of all adults experiencing homelessness across the United States. In the greater Cincinnati area, an estimated 300 veterans are unhoused, with hundreds more living in conditions described as unsuitable.

“This village represents dignity, stability, and opportunity for some of the more than 300 veterans who experience homelessness on any given night in the tri-state,” said Alisa Morlot, executive director of the Clermont County Metropolitan Housing Authority. “No veteran should be homeless who has served our country.”

19 homes, wraparound services

When complete, the village will include 19 homes — 16 fully furnished one-bedroom units and three two-bedroom units for smaller veteran families. Veterans will pay 30% of their adjusted gross income toward rent, with utilities covered by the Clermont County Metropolitan Housing Authority.

Stephen Balczo, executive director of the Clermont County Veterans Service Commission, said the project is designed to address multiple needs at once.

“We have an all-encompassing opportunity to take care of veterans who may be struggling in life with many different facets,” Balczo said. “So whether it’s mental health, whether it’s job security, or even just community-based PTSD, this is a wraparound service to reconfigure, reenact, that we can push veterans back out into the community as successful members.”

Finding veterans in need

Balczo said outreach will be active and direct, targeting veterans wherever they are.

“They could be out on the public on their own. They could be living with relatives. They could be living in the park just down the road,” Balczo said. “And it’s truly an organic growth to go out, find them, and then put them through a vetting process so that we start out with 19 homes. We know we’re starting out with the 19 most severe to be able to retool them for life.”

Church, county unite on project

The village is a collaborative effort between Clermont County commissioners, the Metropolitan Housing Authority, and Mount Holly Christian Church.

“It’s the village coming together to make something happen for a unique segment of our society here in Clermont County,” Balczo said.

Morlot said the project represents a broader commitment to veteran well-being.

“We are breaking ground on hope. We are creating a community where veterans will have safe, affordable housing, access to the services they deserve, and neighbors who understand their journey,” Morlot said.

Veterans who may be a fit for the village can find more information online.

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