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Medford, Ore., — Finding housing in the Rogue Valley these days is extremely difficult, vacancy rates are currently at less than two percent.
But there’s several projects in the works that could change that including one that has spots reserved for veterans.
Plans are already being drawn up on the Newbridge complex on Ross Lane.
It will be a 64-unit building with 12 units set aside specifically for homeless veterans.
“I spend a lot of time looking for housing, for a roof over my head.”
Carl Johnson was a U.S. Marine from 1999 to 2003.
He moved to Southern Oregon last year.
“I came out here for treatment for PTSD as well as substance abuse, alcoholism and now I find myself homeless.”
Living on the streets haven’t been easy.
“I’ve been held at gun point twice that’s pretty scary.”
But he’s ecstatic to hear the Jackson County Housing Authority is looking to build a new apartment complex on Ross Lane in West Medford, with a dozen spots specifically for veterans like him.
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Andrea Miranda says 70 vets are trying to get one of those coveted apartments.
The odds of getting one may not be in Johnson’s favor.
But he’s relieved to know something is in the works to help his brothers and sisters.
“We are people of service”
Who might be shivering on the streets tonight.
“I’m thinking right now about the other guys and how theyre feeling and its gonna be nothing short of elation”
The Medford City Council is voting on a $200,000 dollar block grant next week that would help fund the project.
If approved the complex will be open by summer 2018.
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