San Diego's mayor and other officials attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to officially open the last phase of the Veterans Village Project on Pacific Highway.
“Today is another key chapter in the proud history of Veterans Village,” Bill Kowba, Chair of the VVSD Board of Directors said during the ceremony. “Opening Hickman Hall, today not only completes the last notable construction on the premises, but also fulfills a vision to provide on this spot a most complimentary and viable range of services to men and women veterans – leaving no one behind.”
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins attended the ceremony.
Started 15 years ago, Veterans Village has been completed in a series of phases. It offers housing for homeless veterans and many services, including food, clothing, substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, job training, job search assistance and legal services.
"When VVSD first began operating on Pacific Highway in 1990, our dream was to one day create a state-of-the art facility to help veterans recover from alcoholism, drug addiction, and emotional trauma," said Phil Landis, VVSD President and CEO. "Because of the generous financial support from committed partners and the hard work of hundreds of men and women, that goal has become reality. We are grateful to be able to say 'thank you' in a public way to everyone who made this dream come true."
The latest addition, Hickman Hall, will provide housing for female veterans and a dental clinic for low-income families.
"I believe this new facility will provide a space to help woman improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life and strive to reach their full potential,” VRC Program Director Shellie Bowman said.
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Veterans Village serves more than 2000 veterans each year.
