During a recent government meeting, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation presented a proposal to rezone a 3.07-acre parcel at 25100 Northwestern Highway from B3 General Business to RC Regional Center, aiming to establish a Veterans Village in Southfield, Michigan. The meeting included a public hearing where community members voiced their support for the initiative, emphasizing the urgent need for affordable housing for veterans.

Pamela Gerald, a local resident, passionately advocated for the rezoning, highlighting the importance of providing housing for military veterans, many of whom face homelessness upon returning from service. She noted the broader national context, referencing a candidate's commitment to creating three million homes to combat homelessness in the U.S. Gerald expressed gratitude to the petitioner for considering veterans in their housing plans and suggested exploring additional vacant properties for similar projects.

Bob Kelfan, a volunteer with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, shared his recent experiences at a fundraising event in New York, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to supporting veterans and their families. He expressed optimism about the local community's involvement and support for the proposed facility.

Shoneta Stokes, a long-time Southfield resident and volunteer with the foundation, echoed the sentiments of her fellow speakers, emphasizing the honor of potentially being the first city in Michigan to host a Tunnel to Towers Veterans Village. She praised the foundation's track record, noting its high ratings from Charity Navigator for accountability and financial management. Stokes highlighted the proposed village's strategic location, which would offer veterans access to essential services and amenities, including security and case management support.

The meeting underscored a collective community effort to address housing shortages for veterans, with local leaders expressing enthusiasm for the potential partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The proposal, if approved, could significantly enhance support for veterans in the Southfield area, providing them with much-needed housing and resources.