Welcome home: Building Affordable Housing for our nation’s veterans

CohnReznick is proud to work with clients across key industries – clients who truly make a difference in the communities they serve. CohnReznick client Mercy Housing is a shining example.

Few industries are as critical to our communities’ wellbeing as affordable housing. As one of nation’s largest non-profit affordable housing organizations, Mercy Housing is transforming lives through improving access to affordable housing for low-income and underserved populations, including our nation’s veterans.

Thousands of veterans in the U.S. are homeless. In fact, about one in five homeless individuals are U.S. veterans. Several factors contribute to the growing homeless veteran population – such as the extreme shortage of affordable housing and lack of support networks and health care services for the veteran community.

Mercy Housing operates six veteran living communities in California and Illinois, in collaboration with service providers, community partners, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to inform the design of energy-efficient building, programming space, and resident services.

In addition, Mercy Housing partners with local, well-established nonprofits nationwide to provide on-site services to homeless veterans, working closely with the VA and local agencies. Services include case management, health and wellness programs, benefits claims assistance, legal services, and social and recreational activities.

“Mercy Housing recognizes the struggles that many of our veterans face as they transition back to civilian life and stepped up to build affordable housing specific to this population. Most importantly, they developed a safe space to provide these heroes, who have given so much for our country, with access to important resources and support that they deserve,” says Melissa Boone, Managing Partner of CohnReznick’s Charlotte office and a member of the firm’s Affordable Housing practice. She adds, “This is just another reason that we are proud to work with Mercy Housing as they continue their vision of establishing engaged, strong, and inclusive communities.”