Nonprofit begins construction on facility in Denver for unhoused veterans

DENVER – The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit founded in the aftermath of September 11, broke ground on its Denver Veterans Village on Thursday as part of its mission to end homelessness among veterans.

The nonprofit plans to convert the former Fairfield Inn hotel in Denver’s Virginia Village neighborhood into an affordable housing complex for unhoused veterans.

Richard Butler

“Denver and the surrounding community have a large veteran population. It’s an area of ​​need,” said Gavin Naples, vice president of Tunnel to Towers’ homeless veterans program. “The Tunnel to Towers Foundation will completely renovate this former hotel into approximately 120 permanent housing units for veterans, but with a full suite of support services aimed at addressing the root causes of veteran homelessness.”

Residents pay only 30% of their monthly income and all utilities and internal services are included. On-site support services for residents include case management, behavioral health care, employment assistance, entitlement assistance, VA claims, peer support and a litany of other services aimed at reintegrating veterans into the community.

Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Colorado National Guard Chaplain David Nagel shared a prayer during Thursday’s groundbreaking event.

“I’m grateful to live in a state like Colorado where people care deeply about their neighbors. I’m excited to see this place being built,” said Nagel.

There is a renewed focus on ending homelessness among veterans. In June, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced a partnership with the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System (VA EHCCS) and the Denver Housing Authority to expedite housing applications for veterans experiencing homelessness and identify properties as quickly as possible.

The mayor said at the time that there were 52 veterans homeless in the city. He called it a “very solvable number” and hoped to provide shelter to every homeless veteran by the end of 2024.

The VA EHCS has touted its own success in eliminating homelessness among veterans. The agency announced in March that it had placed more than 700 Colorado veterans into permanent housing by 2023.

Richard Butler

Naples said construction of the Veterans Village is still in the early stages.

“We are in the design and permitting stages of this program. We hope to open later next year or early 2026,” Naples said.

Naples encourages veterans who are currently without a home to visit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation for immediate assistance.