Omaha will be home to Vets Town
Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle joined advocates for veterans and business leaders in announcing a new partnership aimed at assisting homeless veterans.
“Vets Town” is the first of its kind in the country. It seeks to provide housing and job skills to homeless veterans from the Omaha metro area, state and throughout the country. Modeled after Boys Town, it is currently seeking donations to acquire a permanent facility in Omaha. University of Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne will serve as President of the Board of Governors for the project.
There are currently about 1500 homeless veterans in Nebraska and approximately 200,000 nationwide. There are about 600 homeless vets in Omaha.
"We have an obligation to assist those who have given so much to preserve our freedom,” says Mayor Suttle. Ed Shada with Project Homeless Connect says they are looking at two two locations, 23rd and Woolworth and the former Uta Halee Girls Village just north of Omaha.
Shada says they need $3 million to open the facility. Initially they will be able to provide temporary housing to 54 veterans, but will have the ability to expand to more than 100.
Nebraska Athletic Director Tom Osborne will serve as the board's honorary chairman.
