Groundbreaking planned for affordable housing complex for veterans in Cathedral City

An empty lot along Landau Boulevard in Cathedral City will soon become the "Veterans Village".

It's affordable housing for veterans.

The place will feature 60 one and two bedroom units, along with several amenities.

Vets now living at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission are excited about the prospect of having a new home.

"I can't begin to express the impact that that would make. It would be unbelievable," said veteran Jonathan Caouette. 

Groundbreaking at the site, which sits across the street from the Salvation Army, is planned for April 9th.

The project is expected to be ready for tenants in June, 2022. 

"We go through struggles and we've done what we can to help the country and we need help," said veteran Teryl Murphy. 

The developer for the project is Santa Ana-based Ikaika Ohana, which has 25 other projects in California and Hawaii. 

John Bigley is the Chief Operating Officer. 

"When you walk the veterans through the community they can see that we care.   They can see the quality that we put in.   When they open the door to their new place, the excitement on their face is amazing," said Bigley. 

The site is now popular with illegal dumpers. 

But once the location is transformed, it could go a long in helping transform the lives of those who live there. 

The two story complex, built in part with federal and state funding, will feature a 3.000 square foot community center, and space for staffers from the Veterans Administration to provide case management for tenants.

"For me personally, it's been a little bit of a struggle to get something that makes all the ends meet," said veteran Adam Hatrak. 

Bigley says veterans interested in living at the property should contact their Veterans Administration representative now to get on the wait list.