During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the urgent need for affordable housing for veterans in Matthews, North Carolina. Community member Rick Gilbert passionately advocated for the establishment of a supportive housing project aimed at helping veterans, particularly those facing homelessness or precarious living situations.

Gilbert highlighted the competitive real estate market, noting that a half-acre lot he was interested in had recently received multiple offers exceeding its asking price of $150,000. He expressed frustration over the slow progress in securing land for a veteran housing project, emphasizing the critical situation faced by veterans, with 22 committing suicide daily in the U.S. due to various challenges, including homelessness.

The board members acknowledged Gilbert's concerns and expressed their commitment to exploring solutions. They discussed the potential for establishing a housing authority to facilitate the development of affordable housing and considered existing town-owned land that could be utilized for this purpose. The town attorney was tasked with preparing a memo outlining the necessary steps and costs associated with creating a housing authority.

Commissioners voiced their support for Gilbert's cause, recognizing the importance of addressing the needs of veterans in the community. They committed to finding a way to expedite the process, with some members recalling their own family connections to military service, reinforcing the emotional weight of the issue.

The meeting concluded with a sense of urgency and determination among board members to collaborate on a solution that would provide much-needed housing for veterans, reflecting a broader commitment to affordable housing initiatives in Matthews.