In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposal to lease two county-owned homes to Warrior Homes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting veterans. The properties, located near Bayview Park, have been minimally utilized and are intended for future boat parking construction. However, the county plans to lease them for a year to provide temporary housing for homeless veterans.

Commissioner Locastro emphasized the importance of this initiative, especially in light of November being Veterans Month. He noted that Warrior Homes currently operates four homes for veterans and recently raised $1 million to support their efforts. Despite these achievements, there remains a waiting list for veterans seeking housing.

The proposed lease would allow Warrior Homes to use the two properties for supportive housing, charging $1,000 per month for each home. The occupancy will be limited to one veteran per bedroom, and the organization will cover minor maintenance costs, while the county will handle major repairs. The lease includes provisions for termination with a 30-day notice, ensuring that the county can reclaim the homes if needed for future projects.

Tom Buckley, a board member of Warrior Homes, reported that the current number of homeless veterans in Collier County is estimated to be between 30 and 40, a decrease from previous years. He highlighted the organization's goal of ending veteran homelessness in the county and expressed optimism about the impact of the additional housing.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the lease, reflecting a collaborative effort to address the pressing issue of veteran homelessness while ensuring the county's future development plans remain intact.