Several veterans and their families received the gift of a new home this holiday season as San Bernardino County opened a new affordable housing community in Redlands for veterans and people with special needs.
Liberty Lane in the 1200 block of Texas Street has 80 affordable residences, including 62 permanent supportive housing units for veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness, county officials said. These apartments provide long-term housing stability combined with supportive services with the intention of helping residents maintain a stable place to live and improve their well-being.
“We are proud to honor the men and women who served our country by providing safe, stable housing that supports their long-term success,” Board of Supervisors Chairman and 3rd District Supervisor Dawn Rowe said in a statement. “Liberty Lane offers more than housing; it provides dignity and opportunity.”
A Community of Friends developed the housing complex in partnership with the San Bernardino County Housing Authority, Community Development and Housing Department, Behavioral Health Department, Loma Linda VA Medical Center and the nonprofit organization U.S.VETS.
The county spent $5 million in federal funds from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, officials said. The $51 million development also involved nonprofit developer Western Community Housing as well as the city of Redlands.
“This development reflects the leadership and collaboration of our Board of Supervisors and project partners,” Carrie Harmon, director of the Community Development and Housing Department, said in a statement. “Liberty Lane demonstrates our commitment to ensuring veterans and vulnerable residents have access to housing and services that support long-term stability.”
In addition to housing, the facility will provide residents with access to supportive services that include case management, behavioral health care, clinical services and rental assistance through Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing vouchers, according to the county.
Officials said Liberty Lane is an important part of the county’s Homeless Strategic Framework because it expands housing opportunities for veterans while addressing the root causes of homelessness such as substance use addiction and mental health care needs.
Information about other affordable housing projects in San Bernardino County, is online at cdh.sbcounty.gov/affordable-housing-projects.
