Lightfighter Village Grand Opening: Veterans Find a Permanent Home in Marina, CA

On Friday, November 7, Lightfighter Village in Marina, CA, celebrated its grand opening. This is EAH Housing's newest permanent supportive housing development, created in partnership with the Veterans Transition Center (VTC) of California.

Lightfighter Village is at 229 Hayes Circle on the former Fort Ord Base. It offers 71 residential units, including 64 studios and seven two-bedroom apartments, for veterans and their spouses. The community focuses on helping those who have experienced homelessness. Residents earn between 30% and 50% of the area median income (AMI).

"It's been a true honor to partner with the Veterans Transition Center to bring Lightfighter Village to life," said Laura Hall, President and CEO of EAH Housing. "Our veterans have served this country with courage and sacrifice, and they deserve a safe, affordable place to call home. Lightfighter Village is about honoring that service by creating a community where veterans can live with dignity and support."
Each home is designed to be comfortable and modern, with energy-efficient appliances, walk-in closets, and window coverings. Residents can also enjoy amenities like a community room, garden, bicycle parking, pet wash station, fitness center, on-site laundry, parking, a management office, and lounges.

"Our veterans have sacrificed so much to serve and protect this country, and it's our duty to serve them in return," said U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta. "Providing safe, affordable housing like Lightfighter Village is part of our sacred obligation to ensure that those who've worn the uniform, as well as their families, have the safety, stability, and support they need when they come home."
Lightfighter Village sits on 2.3 acres that were acquired from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The community is within two miles of public transit, jobs, shopping, medical services, the Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense outpatient clinic, and the Veterans Transition Center headquarters at Martinez Hall.
"The opening of Lightfighter Village marks a transformative milestone for Monterey County and for the Veterans Transition Center," said Kurt Schake, CEO of the Veterans Transition Center. "It represents the culmination of a 25-year effort to reach 'functional zero' – a community where no Veteran is left without a home. Thanks to our partnership with EAH Housing, Lightfighter Village will change lives today and for generations to come."

"No American who's served our country should ever have to face homelessness because of a lack of affordable housing or support," said Marina Mayor Bruce Delgado. "Lightfighter Village is a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together with purpose. I'm proud to see this vision come to life and confident that its impact will be felt for generations."

Monterey County Now reported on the opening, focusing on the partnerships and shared mission that made this project possible.