Independent living community to be located on campus of the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Governor Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Congressman Mark Schauer (D-MI), and Medallion Management of Kalamazoo today announced approval by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to begin construction of the Silver Star Apartment Community for Veterans in Battle Creek. Silver Star will consist of a 76-unit apartment community designed specifically for veterans in need of a place to call home. Located on the campus of the Battle Creek Veteran Affairs Medical Center, the community will be walking distance to the myriad of services available to veterans. The community is named for the Silver Star medal, awarded for gallantry in action.

“I am pleased to have worked over the past few years with Medallion Management and the Department of Veteran Affairs, so we can soon provide homes for many of our veterans,” Stabenow said. “Michigan has over 3,000 men and women across our state who have worn the uniform in defense of our country, but do not have a place to call home. The Silver Star Apartment Community for Veterans in Battle Creek will help put a roof over their heads and provide access to much-needed medical care.”

“This facility is an answer to a lot of prayers and an enormous amount of work,” said Marvin Veltkamp, CEO of Medallion Management Inc. “We couldn’t have accomplished this without Senator Debbie Stabenow’s leadership and guidance as we worked with the Veterans Administration. It was Senator Stabenow, Congressman Mark Schauer and Governor Jennifer Granholm who recognized the need and seriousness of this project and were the first to step up to help. I find it hard to express in words our true appreciation for these three great leaders and their staffs.”

“Michigan men and women who have served this country in uniform deserve a safe place to call home when they return along with access to the health care services they need to return to full, active participation in our communities,” said Granholm. “This apartment community will help ensure that we are able to meet those needs for our veterans.”

"In these tough economic times, we must do everything in our power to make sure our veterans have a place to call home," said Schauer. "By putting a roof over the heads of our homeless veterans and ensuring they have access to quality medical care and other critical services, we can properly honor their service to our country and give these brave men and women a chance to get back on their feet."

Senator Stabenow, Governor Granholm, Congressman Schauer, and Medallion Management of Kalamazoo have worked tirelessly over the past few years in conjunction with the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Battle Creek to establish this apartment community. The community will be constructed on what is now a vacant stretch of land on the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center property in Battle Creek. Construction is expected to be completed in the next 12 months.

Medallion Management has grown over 35 years to become a leader in the design, development and management of affordable living apartment communities throughout Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. In 2002 Medallion recognized the serious need for specialized housing for people with special needs. They have since incorporated special needs units into all of their new communities and are introducing several units as they refurbish existing communities. The Silver Star Apartments is their first 100% dedicated facility. The company has plans for at least two others in Michigan.

Financing of Silver Star is provided by HOME Funds administered by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. Equity comes from the sale of the Low Income Housing Tax Credits to the Great Lakes Capital Fund and a bridge loan from the First National Bank of Kalamazoo. There are also 75 HUD Project Based Vouchers provided and administered by MSHDA which allows the residents to pay only 30% of their income.

Fryling Construction, located in Grand Rapids, MI will be the General Contractor. The Office of Supportive Housing and Homeless Initiatives and Finance Divisions of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority provided integral support and efforts in making Silver Star a reality. Family Home Health Services will act as the Supportive Services Coordinator working with Medallion Management in determining the veterans’ needs and coordinating the support services with the Battle Creek VAMC and other agencies within the community.