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We at ACOF are proud to honor our veterans in recognition of National Veterans Day. 🇺🇲
National Veterans Day is an opportunity to show gratitude and respect for the individuals who have committed their lives to protecting freedom and the values we hold near. We would also like to acknowledge and thank those on our staff who have served our country. Here are their stories. 💙
We also encourage you to explore both our latest and existing development projects, which are dedicated to providing housing for veterans and their families, as we expand ACOF's reach to new areas. One person, one family, one community at a time.
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Isidra Sabillion - U.S. Army
I first joined the Army on Jan 2015 as an active-duty soldier. Did boot camp in South Carolina. Attended AIT in Georgia and graduated as a 25U (Communication Specialist). I was first stationed in Grafenwoehr, Germany for 2 years. I was later moved to Fort Riley, Kansas to finish out my contract. I finished my contract, Jan 2019.
My military experience is something that I will NEVER regret and would do all over again if I were reborn. It taught me resiliency, that the WORST moments become the BEST and funniest memories. Most importantly that strangers really do become your family. I am very grateful because due to my time in service I was able to finish my BS in Human Services.
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Larry Reynolds - U.S. Navy
I joined the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. I served 4 years in the U.S. Navy from 1976 to 1980. I completed “Bootcamp” at the Naval Training Center San Diego, California, and graduated as a Yeoman 3rd Class and eventually promoted to 2nd Class. I completed a “West-Pac,” Western Pacific Squadron Tour to Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and China. We were at sea for a total of 6 months and there is nothing in the world like that experience! Thankfully, I enlisted during “Peacetime” with zero conflicts.
All in all, it was the best 4 years of my life, especially living in the middle of the Indian Ocean while conducting “War game” exercises.
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VETERAN & CELEBRITY CHEF ANDRE RUSH | |
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At our 2024 Awards Celebration, we honored Veteran & Celebrity Chef, Andre Rush. A decorated U.S. Army combat veteran who is a passionate advocate for mental health, focusing on mental health and children. He uses his public profile to support veterans and their families living with PTSD.
During his acceptance speech of our Honorary Award, he mentions, "Homelessness is such a big thing, it needs to be profiled so much more. People take it for granted because they go home at night..they go home. Some people can't go home. Some people don't have a way."
As we take a moment to remember and honor our brave men and women who have served in the military, it is also important to reflect on the freedoms we have because of their courage and commitment to protecting our country.
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Ventura Springs, set on a 10-acre site formerly owned by the City of Ventura, is a new community for formerly homeless veterans, low-income veterans, and their families. This inclusive neighborhood will feature 122 apartments across 11 buildings, mixing two-story walk-ups with two three-story structures, all integrated within vibrant courtyards that promote community activities. The property consists of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartment homes. Two units will be reserved for the on-site staff. U.S.VETS services in coordination with Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) will be offered onsite.
Our goal with Ventura Springs is to build a community that enhances the lives of local veterans and their families facing disabilities, homelessness, or economic hardships that make it challenging to access quality housing. Dora Gallo, President and CEO of ACOF, states, "The opening of Ventura Springs underscores ACOF's strong commitment to creating and preserving affordable housing options for our veterans".
We're excited to welcome tenants to their new home! 💙
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Oasis Senior Villas is a 95-unit apartment community tailored for seniors and senior veterans experiencing homelessness or living with mental illness, as well as low-income senior households. Less than a mile from downtown Riverside, this infill project revitalizes a previously vacant lot with modern architectural styles, landscaping, and green building design.
The community at Oasis Senior Villas is designed to promote stability and enhance residents’ quality of life. To support this, the development includes a range of amenities that foster community engagement and well-being. Tenants have access to a spacious community room, property management and services offices, and a computer room. A comfortable lounge with a TV, a gym, and convenient laundry facilities exist. The property features a community garden, BBQ and picnic area, walking paths, and landscaped seating areas for outdoor enjoyment. Ample parking is also available, ensuring ease of access for all tenants.
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Lorena Plaza is a dynamic mixed-use development that combines 49 affordable housing units with 7,500 sq. ft. of retail space. Fifty percent (50%) of the apartments will offer veterans a preference. This development will feature a range of amenities designed to foster community engagement and support tenants' needs. | |
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Huntington Square has recently started lease-up activities and will be an apartment community for low-income seniors and formerly homeless senior veterans, including people experiencing chronic homelessness and those living with a mental health disability. The 48-unit development includes 17 studio units, 30 one-bedroom units, and one two-bedroom unit designated for the on-site property manager. The goal of the development is to provide services and create stability for veterans and seniors who have experienced homelessness or economic challenges preventing them from accessing safe, quality housing. The project's design adds to the neighborhood's warmth with contemporary styling, attractive landscaping, and sustainable building design targeting LEED Gold Certification.
ACOF will provide services in partnership with the LA County Department of Mental Health and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
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New Directions Sepulveda I
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New Directions Sepulveda II
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Make your contribution today and be part of the solution for Southern California's homelessness crisis by providing quality permanent supportive housing for individuals and families living with mental illness.
Make your tax-deductible gift to ACOF today!
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