Liberation Veteran Services Breaks Ground on Veterans Village, a Transformative Supportive Housing Development for Homeless Veterans

January, 29, 2025, Richmond, Virginia — Liberation Veteran Services (LVS), a Richmond-based nonprofit dedicated to providing care, resources, and stability to homeless Veterans to rebuild their lives, hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, January 23, 2025, for Veterans Village, a new supportive housing development that will offer critical services and housing stability for Veterans in the Greater Richmond area.

Located on Midlothian Turnpike, the new complex will replace the current LVS facility on Hull Street. The development will feature 50 micro-apartments for Veterans in the program, and a community building equipped with a kitchen, dining hall, gathering spaces, laundry facilities, administrative offices, and a courtyard. In its second phase, the project will add 20 permanent housing apartments, helping to further LVS’s mission of empowering Veterans to achieve long-term housing stability. Construction partners include Hourigan, Baskervill, STRUCTR, and Timmons Group.

“This groundbreaking marks a new chapter for Liberation Veteran Services, and more importantly, for the Veterans who will call this facility home,” said Mark Hourigan, Founder and CEO of Hourigan. “No one who has worn the uniform of this great nation should ever face homelessness or the absence of support.”

Since its inception in 2013, LVS has positively impacted the lives of over 770 Veterans, with 86% success rate of Veterans completing the program continuing to live independently for more than a year. Veterans Village represents LVS’s commitment to supporting those who have served our country and now face challenges with housing insecurity and trauma.

Jay Patrick, CEO & President of Liberation Veteran Services, reflected on the organization’s mission: “I identified a population of Veterans who have invisible scars… They are braving the elements on their own. Veterans Village will ensure they have a place to call home—a place where they can find hope and opportunity.”

The event began with heartfelt remarks from Ben Gryctko, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and LVS alumnus who now serves as a member of the LVS Board of Directors. Sharing his personal journey, he emphasized the life-changing impact of the LVS program.

LVS is actively conducting a Capital Campaign to raise additional funds needed to complete Veterans Village. Phase 1 is estimated to cost $10.6 million. Funding to date has included a one-time $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Veterans Administration and the generosity of foundations, grants, corporate partners, and individual donors.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support of our partners and the community,” said Patrick. “This project represents a significant step toward ending Veteran homelessness.”

To support the Veterans Village project, visit: https://www.lvsrva.org/donate/#CapitalCampaign/.

For more information on Liberation Veteran Services and the Veterans Village project, contact:
Lynne Berkness, Chief Advancement Officer, ph (804) 233-4064 x208, email.

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About Liberation Veteran Services: Liberation Veteran Services (LVS) is a 501c3 offering homeless Veterans the care, resources and stability needed to rebuild their lives. LVS operates the nation’s largest low-demand program for homeless Veterans, offering personalized counseling, case management, meals, shelter, mental health counseling, employment training, and more. With dignity and respect at the core of our mission, we are committed to addressing the complex challenges facing our Veterans, including addiction, mental health issues, and PTSD. Our brave Veterans fought for us – we are honored and proud to fight for them. Learn how you can support our mission and our Veterans at lvsrva.org.