Veterans Village Breaks Ground

A Veterans Village project is underway in Clermont County, bringing more than just housing for those who served our country. The village sits on 15 acres and will eventually have 19 subsidized housing units with some units accommodating small families, a community clubhouse, and greenspace.

Officials broke ground on the $10 million project on June 30 in Amelia next to Mt. Holly Christian Chapel and has stirred excitement from many of the project leaders and advocates. 

“We are breaking ground on hope,” said Alicia Morlatt, the executive director at the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority. “We are creating a community where veterans will have safe, affordable housing, and neighbors who understand their journey.” 

A strong and focused community effort helped get this project off the ground quickly. Thanks to funding coming from the America Rescue Plan Act at $5 million acquired with help from the commissioners board, and other organizations such as the Cincinnati Development Fund, which provided initial construction funds and permanent funding for village operations and the Federal Home Loan Bank who supplied a $1.1 million grant with help from the Clermont Housing Corporation. 

“We have all of these levels of government working together for money for this project,” stated 

State Representative Adam Bird.

"This project would not have been possible without the generosity of those who stepped forward," said Commissioner Claire Corcoran.

The Veterans Village in Clermont is an important symbol to veterans and the people that have been supporting this project. 

“Being a veteran myself, I feel extremely honored to be part of this project and to help fellow veterans who are struggling in their lives to be able to overcome these problems and receive the help they deserve,” said Monroe Township trustee Tom Peck.

Construction for Veterans Village is expected to finish around the end of 2027 and is planned to welcome in veterans by early 2028, with the total time for construction estimated at 18 months.

Commissioner Corcoran said this is just the beginning, and there is more room to expand once construction is finished. 

"The first stage is getting the veterans into housing, the second stage will be working with them and taking care of all of their needs,” stated John Plahovinsak, a member of the 63rd chapter of Disabled American Veterans group.

Plahovinsak expressed that the Veterans Village means a lot to him and his chapter, which works with homeless veterans and provides them with necessities, such as clothing. 

"We know a lot about homeless veterans and one of our jobs for our chapter is to support projects such as this project here," said Plahovinsak. “We're very grateful for this project … and we’d like to help and support them.”