Storage containers transformed into homes for Merced’s homeless veterans

MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – A project nearly four years in the works is finally coming to fruition in Merced.

A 20-unit housing development will provide permanent housing to homeless veterans in the county. The City of Merced reports that there are nearly 200 homeless people within city limits -and within the county, about 20 are veterans.

“Some of them have had fallen on hard times, and, you know, we see them in our community, we see them under our bridges, in our streets, and it’s time that we step up to support them as they supported us when we needed them,” said Leah Brown, Merced’s management analyst. 

By providing them with a home, they have a place to get back on their feet, have a roof over their head, and feel supported. The project, called CC 9-1-5 Merced, is at Child’s Avenue and R Streets and is funded through a $4.2 million grant from the State’s Project Homekey Program.

“We put out a call for developers and we sold this property to the development team for a dollar and so that is basically the city’s in-kind contribution to the project,” Brown shared.

The container village is made up of studio apartments. It’s faced its fair share of delays, but once complete, it will offer permanent housing with supportive services such as drug and alcohol treatment, mental health assistance, and job search skills.

Brown tells Yourcentralvalley.com that the VA and the rescue mission will manage the applicant and move in process. “They’re welcome to stay as long as they need to, and this facility has deed restrictions on the property, it will remain an affordable community for 55 years,” Brown explained. 

They are expected to move in this Spring.