Local Navy veteran working to build homes for veterans

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – A housing project is underway aimed at tackling the problem of homeless veterans in Youngstown.

Richard Minor has always had that spark. A Navy veteran himself, Richard jumped at the chance to help homeless veterans in need of housing.

“It wasn’t very long ago I was almost in the same boat they’re in,” he said.

For the last several months, Minor has been welding and working on pre-fabricated homes made out of shipping containers, part of a project spearheaded by Veterans Haven to provide 14 homeless veterans with their own private bedrooms and bathrooms.

“It’s nice to be able to give back to other veterans that have given a sacrifice and knowing that they’ll have a place to lay their head at night,” Minor said.

The project broke ground in November 2023 at the corner of West Warren Avenue and Hillman Street. The first phase is on track to be completed this fall.

“I’m still trying to wake up from the dream because it was a vision and for this to actually come to fruition, it’s so humbling,” said Brandi Parker, assistant director of Veterans Haven. “It’s absolutely amazing to see how the vision turned into an actual space.”

Additional phases will expand on three other empty lots at the intersection to provide other programs to homeless veterans.

“Where not only are we providing housing solutions, but we are providing development. We are revitalizing the community,” Parker said.

It’s all part of a never-ending call to service, something Minor doesn’t take lightly.

“Whether it could be a male or a female veteran, depending on what they’ve been — whether they’ve got a disability –they’re going to use this to get their feet on the ground,” Minor said.

And when they’re able to finally set foot inside, Minor said it will be surreal.

“Then they’ll know that they have some sense of security, peace of mind that there’s one less thing they’ve got to worry about,” he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.