Struggling and homeless veterans will soon have a welcoming space to shower, wash clothes and gather, thanks to the Carroll County Veterans Independence Project on Carroll Street.

The nonprofit, formed in 2017 to provide services for veterans and their families, has begun construction in Westminster on a 2,500-square-foot space that will include a shower, full kitchen, laundry room and an expanded conference room. The planning, design and construction is funded through a $250,000 state bond. “We are so grateful we can start this,” Jason Sidock, executive director of the Independence Project, said to a crowd of veterans and elected officials that gathered Friday to help break a wall to mark the start of the remodel.

Representatives with J&J Construction of Westminster, a veteran-owned business, said the remodel is expected to take six to eight weeks.

“The City of Westminster approved the water, so, ‘Thank you, city,'” Sidock said. “The end result will be a new shower, washer and dryer. You don’t know how much we [also] appreciate our delegates and our senators who worked hard to help us.” State Sen. Justin Ready, who represents Carroll and Frederick counties, helped to secure the $250,000 bond during the 2018 Maryland General Assembly session.

“This is wonderful,” said Ready, who along with Carroll County State’s Attorney Haven Shoemaker, grabbed a sledgehammer. “You hear a lot of great things they are doing here. Helping our veterans is a top priority and getting them access to what they need to get back on their feet. … And this is a fun way to celebrate the next step.” Carroll County Commissioner Tom Gordon III, who represents Westminster in District 3, was also in attendance.

“This is exceptionally needed, for one thing,” Gordon said.

“Our veterans can never get enough. We need to be looking out for our veterans, and this is something I fully support.”

Two Vietnam War veterans stood among the crowd.

“It’s been a long time waiting for this,” said Fulton Staffett, 74, of Finksburg, who served in the Marine Corps from 1969 to 1970. “We need this bad.”

T.J. Johnson, 78, of Westminster, a Navy veteran who served from 1965 to 1966, said the help he received from the Independence Project saved his life. Johnson said his mental health deteriorated after returning home from war.

“The day I walked in this door I knew I had come to the right place,” he said. “I volunteer here almost every day. I’ve pledged my life here until the day I die.”

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