City officials and developers gathered today to break ground for on a new development aimed at helping homeless veterans in the area.

The $1.2 million project is expected to be finished by October 2024.

Once completed, the 5,400 square foot facility will offer various Veterans Association services to help homeless veterans get back on their feet. This includes mental health services and programs to get them integrated back into the work force.

The facility will accommodate 14 veterans of various genders and sexual orientations with a private bedroom and bathroom. 

According to a news release from Family & Community Services, the facility was made possible through $600,000 of capital funding from The Department of Veterans Affairs Capital Program, $150,000 of ARPA funding from The Mahoning County Board of Commissioners, and $100,000 from the City of Youngstown-Ward One.

Additionally, the Family & Community Services has launched an adopt-a-room program for donors to participate in the creation of the facility.

In attendance today was County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti and Councilman Julius Oliver.