New homes for area homeless veterans are open.
Area elected officials and dignitaries cut a ribbon Monday afternoon signifying the opening of the Helen Ross McNabb Center's new veteran housing facility on Coster Road in North Knoxville.
The timing proved perfect. There are eight units that can accommodate veterans living with a mental illness or health disability.
"This means for veterans that they will have a home for Christmas, and that's the most important thing," said Jerry Vagnier, Helen Ross McNabb CEO and president. "For us to be able to provide housing for people that are homeless and are veterans, there really is no higher calling. It's just amazing, and the community support we've had on this project just blows me away frankly."
Center officials say they hope the housing gives veterans the resources they need to overcome their illness and get jobs.
15 more units on Washington Pike are expected to open in February.
