St. Johns County recently announced financial support for Veterans Village of St. Johns. At its Jan. 21 meeting, the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution to allocate $125,000 in funding for fiscal year 2025 to Home Again St. Johns, Inc. for operational costs for Veterans Village, as well as recommending annual reoccurring funding subject to yearly appropriation and budget approval.
“Everything we like about living here in America and the right to voice our opinion about the things we don’t like — all those things are only possible because of our veterans putting themselves in harm’s way,” said County Commissioner Christian Whitehurst.
Home Again St. Johns and the Veterans Council of St. Johns County joined forces to buy St. Augustine’s Old Town Inn and repurpose it into Veterans Village, supportive housing for military veterans.
“It's been a great opportunity to give them the safety and security that they now have here at the Veterans Village,” said Bill Dudley, chairman of Veterans Council.
Operated and managed by Home Again St. Johns, Veterans Village is a sanctuary for military veterans to regain their footing and find a safe haven.
“This is a win-win not only for the community, but especially for our veteran community,” said County Commissioner Clay Murphy.
In March 2024, Home Again St. Johns, Inc. purchased a motel on Anastasia Island called the St. Augustine’s Old Town Inn to serve as the Veterans Village.
“It’s really unique and wonderful to see something that’s broken like the hotels or the apartment complexes that no one is using and it’s not anyone’s home and then we go and refurbish them and becomes someone’s home,” said County Commissioner Krista Joseph.
The 20-unit, one apartment facility provides supportive housing exclusively for military veterans, offering both transitional and permanent affordable options for residents and offers wraparound supportive services such as access to health care, mental health support, addiction recovery programs and employment assistance.
“When you look at what a veteran has done for us, to be honest, it seems like such a small way for us to show our appreciation,” said County Commissioner Ann Taylor.
Veterans Village serves as a sanctuary where veterans can rebuild their lives, fostering dignity, independence, personal growth, housing stabilization and community.
The $125,000 in grant funding from the county is for veteran-related needs and operational needs at Veterans Village, including case management, resource and referral, employment-related activities, drug and alcohol support, transportation to appointments, deposits, rental assistance, food, durable medical equipment (not covered by insurance, VA, etc.), appliances to assist the veteran such as grab bars, shower chairs, etc. (not covered by any insurance, VA, etc.) and other needs a veteran may need to start work or continue employment and remain housed.
“It was so important that we helped stand this up; they were so close to making Veterans Village a reality, and it was our privilege and honor to be able to make that come to fruition,” said County Commissioner Sarah Arnold.
