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In partnership with The Repository, every Monday, Stark Community Foundation highlights positive happenings in our community. Here’s to Good News Mondays!
By Abigail Kinney, Communications Intern
The project will combine two existing facilities together into one upgraded building at 2832 34th St. NE in Canton. Currently, the congregate layout houses only 16 homeless male veterans, but the renovation will expand capacity to serve up to 25 veterans of any gender. The new Honor Home will feature 25 private bedrooms—each with its own bathroom—offering residents both the privacy and security they deserve while allowing the nonprofit to reach more individuals in need.
“Having your own space gives a sense of stability and dignity,” said Matt Slater, director of development for Family & Community Services. “It’s what every veteran deserves as they work toward a fresh start.”
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Aug. 20, bringing together community partners, supporters and veterans to mark the beginning of the transformation.
Honor Home offers more than a safe place to stay. Each veteran receives personalized assistance to help them take the next step, whether that’s navigating benefits, enrolling in educational courses or securing employment.
“There are so many different reasons someone becomes homeless, so it always starts with the veteran and what they need, what their goals are,” Slater said. “Our staff is here to help guide the process and build an individualized plan that works best for the client.”
The upcoming renovation will bring all residents under one roof, improving staff efficiency, fostering camaraderie among veterans and creating a stronger sense of community.
Creating a unified environment designed for comfort and care, the organization hopes to make the path to healing more personal—and more possible—for every veteran who walks through its doors.
“A program that specifically serves veterans creates a place where they can support one another through such a difficult time,” Slater said. “It’s not the best point in their life, but they find commonality and camaraderie with residents who truly understand.”
The $3.5 million renovation is being made possible through the generous support of foundations, donors and local leaders.
“Plain Township, Canton, Stark County has been unbelievably supportive,” Slater said. “The foundations have been incredibly generous with helping us raise dollars for this, and we’re just excited to see the community come together around something so important.”
More than just a construction project, the renovation represents a promise: to meet veterans where they are and walk with them toward a better future.
“We firmly believe that no one should be homeless in America, in Stark County—but especially not our veterans,” Slater said. “We’re building a solution right now, and we’re ready to help our veterans for years to come.”
For more information about Honor Home, visit www.fcsserves.org/program/honor-home.
As the community’s trusted partner in giving, Stark Community Foundation helps individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits achieve their philanthropic goals through a variety of charitable funds and strategic initiatives. Ranked in the top 10 percent of community foundations in the country, the Foundation and its family of donors have granted nearly $275 million to nonprofits since 1963. Learn how you can simplify your giving and amplify your impact at www.starkcf.org.