Construction begins on new veterans housing development Freedom’s Path Waco

WACO, Texas (KWTX) - After years of delays, construction is underway on a new veterans housing development at the Doris Miller VA Medical Center.

Construction began on Freedom’s Path Waco, a 34-unit development that will give leasing preference to homeless or near homeless veterans, on June 3. A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the site on July 26.

In addition to a new building being constructed, three currently underutilized buildings at the medical center are being revitalized for the project.

Some of the future residents will be veterans currently being treated at the medical center. The goal is to create an easy transition from in-patient care to out-patient housing.

The Stan C. Parker Foundation played a large role in the creation of Freedom’s Path Waco. Parker has advocated for the project for more than ten years.

“Not only is it benefitting the aesthetics of the campus by revising these old buildings,” Parker said. “This will give them a place to get back on their feet and get back in the real world.”

For his contribution to this project, Parker was presented with an American Flag flown over the Texas capital in his honor by U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions.

In the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report, Texas reported 2036 homeless veterans. This project is a step towards making sure no veteran has to endure homelessness.

“One veteran homeless is too many,” said Kalpana Mehta, the Deputy Executive Director for Veterans Affairs Central Texas Health Care. “We are going to do our very best to make sure we provide for as many veterans as we can, one family at a time.”

Construction on Freedom’s Path Waco is expected to be complete by December of 2025.

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