March 19, 2024

Homeless shelter for veterans nears completion

WATERLOO (AP) — A Waterloo homeless shelter for veterans is expected to be open this month thanks to donations from several sources, including President Donald Trump’s foundation.

Tim Combs of Americans for Independent Living said his organization is working on final touches in the complete renovation of the home. It’s scheduled to open Feb. 27.

The house was donated in June and will have room for three veterans. Combs said he’s received at least $30,000 in various donations, including roofing, flooring, heating and air conditioning.

“We managed to get a lot of people to help out, so it’s been awesome,” Combs said. “Everything’s been given by someone who was a veteran or had a family member who was a veteran.”

Combs said he also drew partly from a $100,000 gift from the Donald J. Trump Foundation. The president pledged the money at a veterans fundraiser in Des Moines before the Iowa caucuses.

David Boyd, president of Goodwill Industries of Northeast Iowa, said Goodwill will provide case management and other services for the veterans who live at the home. The Black Hawk County Veteran Affairs Commission will also be involved.

“We will be working in conjunction with Goodwill, Americans for Independent Living and Operation Threshold on a team effort with the goal of eliminating veterans’ homelessness in this county,” said Kevin Dill, the commission’s executive director. “It will be a good thing.”

A grand opening celebration is planned for April 20.

Combs said his organization, along with other agencies, is also working on an 11-bedroom facility in Evansdale and looking for an additional residence to rehabilitate.