Plans for a permanent housing facility for homeless veterans released

A new permanent housing facility is in the works in southern Colorado. It's going up on Peterson Road and Western Drive in the Cimarron Hills area. It'll be the first of its kind in El Paso County -- housing for homeless veterans.

"This is an architectural rendering of a permanent supportive housing unit called Freedom Springs," said Pikes Peak United Way CEO Cindy Aubrey.

Pikes Peak United Way officials say the 50 unit building that will be home to 100 people will benefit the community.

"There is a tremendous need for affordable housing and housing period in our community," said Aubrey. "This particular housing will serve veterans who are experiencing homelessness."

Aubrey says 15 to 16 percent of the homeless population in El Paso County are veterans.

"This will be will be a real blessing to the homeless veteran population," she said.

They plan to break ground in 2018 and have the doors to Freedom Springs open by spring of 2019.

"I think that is amazing for our men and woman who have fought for this country," Michelle Boyes.

Michelle said she moved into the Western Hills Apartments two years ago and is glad the empty space is going to good use.

"You always hope that it's not going to be, you know, your worst thought, that it would bring a lot of unwanted or undesirables around," said Boyes.

Pikes Peak United Way leaders say they hope Freedom Springs is just the beginning for more affordable housing in El Paso County.