The Spring Garden School building in Philadelphia had been empty and neglected for over four decades.
Recently, it was scheduled to be torn down due to safety issues and the fact many people found it to be an eyesore. An organization called HELP USA and the Philadelphia Housing Authority teamed up to prevent the demolition and renovate the old building to create housing for homeless veterans.
HELP USA’s David Cleghorn said tearing down the school would have been a tragic waste, and people are excited about the project that will result in 37 affordable housing units.
He emphasized that veterans do very well in that type of housing because the support, resources and community they need are on site and easily accessible.
Cleghorn also said that veterans made many sacrifices to protect the country, and it is only fair to give something back to them. The school building conversion will be the fifth project HELP USA has sponsored in Philadelphia.
Along with nearby Drexel University, HELP USA will offer several services to veterans, including counseling, mentorship, health care and employment opportunities.
Construction on the school will be finished by summer 2017, and veterans will be able to move in shortly afterward.
