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Naples Warrior Homes Receives $2.5 M Grant to Expand Veteran Housing

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/12/1 .. eives-2-5-m-grant-to-expand-veteran-housing.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 5:55 GMT by Naples Daily News

Naples Warrior Homes Receives Grant to Strengthen Veteran Housing in Southwest Florida

A nonprofit veteran‑services organization that has been providing low‑cost homes to veterans since 2014 has secured a new grant that will allow it to expand and improve its housing program. The 2025 Naples News story, published on December 16, 2025, details the organization’s history, its current impact, the nature of the grant, and the broader context of veteran housing needs in the region.

A Mission Born From Need

The article opens with the founding story of Naples Warrior Homes (NWH), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2014 by a group of local veterans and community leaders. In the early years, the organization struggled to find a foothold in the highly competitive Florida housing market, but it quickly realized that the state’s veteran population was underserved. The organization’s mission is to “provide affordable, safe, and supportive housing to veterans and their families, helping them transition to civilian life and ensuring they have a stable place to call home.”

NWH’s founder, former Army Ranger Marcus “Mack” Henderson, is quoted in a short interview. Henderson explains that “when I returned home from Iraq, I saw how difficult it was for many of my peers to find affordable housing. We knew there had to be a better way.” Henderson’s story, along with a brief history of the organization’s early volunteer efforts, sets the stage for the article’s focus on the grant.

The 2014‑Present Legacy

The article outlines how NWH has grown from a handful of volunteer‑run homes to a portfolio of more than 70 housing units across the Naples and Marco Rao areas. It cites several success stories: a former Navy SEAL who found a new lease on life in an NWH unit, a wounded Marine who was able to maintain a stable household while attending vocational training, and a family of veterans who now have a permanent residence in a “veteran‑friendly” community.

Key statistics highlighted in the piece include:

• 70+ units available for veterans and families, with a waitlist of 25 applicants as of December 2025.
• 90% satisfaction rate among residents, as measured by an annual survey conducted by the nonprofit.
• Average rent of $650/month, a 30% discount compared to the regional median for similar homes.
• Program funding of $1.2 million annually, sourced from a mix of private donations, corporate sponsorships, and state grants.

The article references a link to NWH’s 2024 annual report, which provides further detail on the financial breakdown and the cost‑saving measures the organization has instituted—such as partnering with local contractors for routine maintenance and using energy‑efficient appliances.

The Grant: Details & Implications

At the heart of the story is the newly announced grant, awarded by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) in partnership with the Southwest Florida Regional Development Authority. The grant totals $2.5 million and is scheduled to be disbursed over three years. It will be used for:

1. Construction of an additional 15 housing units on a 10‑acre parcel adjacent to the current NWH campus. The units will be designed to accommodate both single veterans and small families.
2. Renovation of existing structures to improve accessibility for veterans with mobility challenges, including wider doorways, handrails, and low‑threshold entryways.
3. Supportive services expansion, such as on‑site counseling, job‑placement assistance, and a small community kitchen.

The article includes a link to the FDVA’s grant announcement, which provides the technical criteria the organization met. These criteria include a demonstrated track record of providing veteran housing, a solid financial model, and a commitment to community partnership.

NWH’s executive director, Karen “Kay” Mitchell, is quoted discussing the impact: “This grant is a game‑changer. It means we can not only house more veterans, but we can also ensure they have the support they need to thrive.” Mitchell emphasizes that the grant is “the culmination of a long‑term partnership between NWH and the state, and it validates the hard work of our volunteers and donors.”

Broader Context: Veteran Housing in Southwest Florida

The article situates the grant within the larger context of veteran housing shortages. Florida’s veteran population has grown steadily, with the 2020 census reporting that roughly 1.2 million veterans reside in the state. According to a 2025 FDVA report (linked in the story), 18% of Florida veterans live in subsidized housing, and the waitlist for such housing has risen by 15% since 2019.

The Naples News piece quotes a local VA liaison, Dr. Laila Al‑Mansour, who notes that the region’s veteran population includes a significant number of Gulf War and Iraq/Afghanistan veterans who face unique challenges such as PTSD and chronic pain. “Affordable housing is the foundation,” Dr. Al‑Mansour says. “If veterans are struggling to pay rent, they can’t focus on therapy, employment, or family stability.”

Community Partnerships & Support

The article highlights how NWH has built a robust network of community partners to supplement the grant. These include:

• United Way of Collier County – providing funding for transitional programs.
• Southwest Florida Chamber of Commerce – offering job placement and internship opportunities for veteran residents.
• The University of South Florida’s School of Architecture – assisting with design plans for new units that meet both veteran needs and sustainability standards.

A link to a press release from the Chamber outlines a joint initiative where local businesses pledge to provide discounted services to NWH residents.

Looking Forward

The article concludes by outlining the timeline for the grant’s use. The first phase, starting in spring 2026, will involve the acquisition of the land and the beginning of construction on the new units. By late 2028, the new housing should be ready to accommodate an additional 60 veterans and their families. The organization’s long‑term goal, as expressed by Mitchell, is to create a self‑sustaining community where veterans can live, work, and thrive without relying on temporary housing.

The Naples News article serves as a comprehensive overview of how a small nonprofit’s vision, coupled with state support, can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who served. It underscores the importance of targeted funding and community collaboration in addressing the persistent issue of veteran housing affordability.