On the sprawling 92-acre campus of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), seven historic buildings, standing lifeless for over a decade, are about to undergo a significant transformation. Investigative reporter Jeff Derderian explores how these structures, originally built in the 1930s, have stood vacant for up to 15 years. Still, a major renovation project is set to breathe new life into them. Once completed, up to 46 veterans will have a new place to call home.
A Campus Rich in History
The Connecticut DVA campus is a peaceful, rolling landscape of green grass and historic architecture. While the exterior of these buildings may show the wear of time, they are structurally sound. Deputy Commissioner Joe Danao of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs states, “The buildings have good bones.” Although unoccupied for many years, the structures have remained intact, requiring only some upgrades to make them suitable for modern use.
Walking through the site, you can see the potential that lies within these walls. Once buzzing with activity, the buildings have fallen into disuse, but the forthcoming renovations will restore them to their former glory. The roofs and windows are in good condition, and much of the work will focus on bringing the interior up to code.
Inside the Renovations
As we step inside, the scope of the renovation project becomes clearer. Hazardous materials are being carefully removed, ensuring the safety of future residents. The buildings will also undergo extensive upgrades, including fresh paint, HVAC improvements, and the installation of wheelchair ramps to make them accessible to all.
Veterans will be living in a safe, comfortable environment with new furniture and appliances. The renovations will ensure the buildings meet current building codes, but the changes won’t stop there. If the budget allows, additional amenities like new basketball courts and even a pickleball court will be added, offering recreational opportunities for the residents.
All of this work comes with a price tag, however. The project is expected to cost around $5 million, funded by federal tax dollars. It’s a significant investment, but one that will provide crucial housing for veterans who need temporary accommodations as they transition back into civilian life.
Why the Long Wait?
The big question on everyone’s mind is: Why have these buildings remained vacant for so long? The answer, as Danao explains, comes down to funding. “The catalyst is the overall priority on providing housing opportunities that came with funding—funding that didn’t exist pre-COVID.” The pandemic prompted new federal funding opportunities, allowing long-delayed projects like this one to finally move forward.
The delay has been frustrating for many, but with funding now secured, the project is poised to provide much-needed housing for veterans. It will also help address the broader issue of veteran homelessness, offering a safe and affordable place for veterans to stay while they get back on their feet.
Temporary Housing, Long-Term Impact
While these renovated buildings will provide temporary housing, the impact on the veterans who live there will be lasting. Veterans will be able to stay in the renovated units for up to a year, with some exceptions allowing stays of up to two years. During this time, they will receive services and support to help them transition to permanent housing.
The veterans will also contribute to the cost of their stay, paying approximately $400 per month. This ensures that the housing remains affordable while encouraging residents to take responsibility for their living arrangements as they prepare for the next stage of their lives.
But why not make these buildings a permanent home for veterans? The Connecticut DVA believes in giving veterans the freedom to choose their next steps. “Once they get those services, they’re able to make their choice, and they often do, where they want to live and work throughout Connecticut,” Danao explains. The goal is to provide veterans with a temporary sanctuary where they can regroup and rebuild their lives, but ultimately, they are encouraged to find their own place in the community.
What’s Next?
As the project moves forward, the next step is to put it out to bid. The goal is to begin construction in February 2025, with the first veterans moving into their newly renovated homes by the spring of that year. It’s an ambitious timeline, but one that reflects the urgency of providing housing for veterans in need.
For the veterans who will one day call this place home, the wait will be worth it. The renovations will not only provide them with a safe and comfortable place to live but also offer them a sense of dignity and respect. After all, these are the men and women who put their country first, and now it’s time for their country to give something back.
A Renewed Commitment to Veterans
The renovation of these seven buildings on the Connecticut DVA campus is more than just a construction project. These men and women have sacrificed so much, and the least we can do is provide them with the support and housing they need as they transition back into civilian life.
As the project progresses, it serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in veteran services and infrastructure. With federal funding and community support, this initiative will give veterans a temporary place to call home while helping them build a brighter, more stable future.