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State celebrates opening of new veterans' home in Grand Rapids

The Holland Sentinel - 9/2/2021

Sep. 3—GRAND RAPIDS — State and local officials commemorated the opening of a new living facility for veterans in Grand Rapids on Thursday, Sept. 3, two years after construction for the facility began.

The Grand Rapids Home for Veterans is a $63 million, 153,000 square-foot facility, adjacent to the Grand River on the city's north side. The new building will house 128 residents, made up of four sections with 32 rooms each. The sections make up a "neighborhood," set with community-focused areas for veteran residents as well.

On Thursday, elected leaders celebrated the opening of the new, modern long-term living facility for local veterans. Speaking before a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the building is a step toward acknowledging and honoring the service given by those who served in the nation's military.

"It's something that I think lives up to providing dignity in housing for people who served our country," Whitmer said.

Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjunct general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, echoed the governor, calling the new living quarters a recognition of the sacrifices and efforts made by veterans.

"They have served our country with honor and distinction, and we have a commitment to them, Rogers said. "(From) the day they swore an oath to support this country — we owe it to them. And they are members of our organization for life, and this is a part of that service."

Calls for improved facilities for veterans were sparked by findings in a 2016 audit, which described inadequate care and procedures for veterans at the Grand Rapids home.

"This truly does show that when we cross the aisle, when we put the health and welfare of the people served our country first, we are capable of doing great things," Whitmer said.

The facility was paid for $22 million in state funds, combined with nearly $41 million from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Whitmer said she's hopeful her office and leadership in the Republican-controlled Michigan Legislature can come to an agreement over spending federal coronavirus relief funds partly on projects like the new facility at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans.

"Together we're going to honor the legacy of this ground, which has been serving veterans for more than 150 years, and continue delivering on our promise to our veterans by building and expanding access to facilities like this all across our state," she said.

— Contact reporter Arpan Lobo at alobo@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter @arpanlobo.

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