Merle's Place
 |
 |
| Population Served: |
Veterans, Seniors and Disabled |
| Builder Captain: |
Shamrock Development, LLC and Burger Construction |
| Service Provider: |
Interfaith Community Services |
| Beds: |
38 |
| In-Kind Value: |
$698,588 |
| Total Project Value: |
$748,588 |
| Groundbreaking: |
September 17, 2004 |
| Dedication: |
July 12, 2006 |
About Merle's Place
Merle's Place is the complete transformation of two warehouse bays into a transitional home for 44 homeless veterans, seniors and disabled individuals. The 4,520 square feet warehouse bays have been redesigned to provide dormitory-style bedrooms, lounge areas and bathrooms.
Shamrock Development and Burger Construction joined forces as Builder Captains to complete the largest and most complex design project in HomeAid San Diego’s history.
Testimonials from Care Providers
"Merle's Place was something all together different for us. In most instances,
the Veterans Administration contributes about 65% of the funding for this kind
of project; but for Merle's, we only received a modest $100,000, less than 20%
of the costs to build this facility. Merle's Place was made possible because of
the generosity and support of HomeAid. More than $600,000 plus was provided by
HomeAid to fund labor, materials, and blood sweat, and tears into this place.
When the rain slowed down construction, HomeAid was there. When the roof started
to leak and additional unforeseen costs were accrued, HomeAid was there. When we
experienced a shortage of labor, HomeAid was there. In fact, HomeAid's Project
Managers personally came to our site with shovels and their crews to help get
the job done. HomeAid has consistently been there for our community. We could
not have done this without them."
- Janet Bolosan, Director of Veterans Services
"Your generosity provided immediate help for more than 44 homeless Veterans, and
will continue to help hundreds more. HomeAid's commitment to helping our
homeless Veterans offers a good reflection on society. We are honored to have
such generous and compassionate partners. I cannot think of a better cause than
giving back to our Veterans who have already given so much."
- Rob Heilein, Merle's Place Case Manager
"As a full-time cook for Merle's Place, I just want to say that the funding and
support we received from HomeAid to build Merle's Place has really helped all
the Veterans. I see these guys on a day to day basis and I have the privilege of
seeing them grow and succeed. HomeAid does many wonderful things in our
community, and for that, they should be honored."
- Patricia Fitch, Merle's Place Cook
Testimonials From Residents
Earl: "Merle's Places gives you an opportunity to get back on your feet and I'm
glad that this service is available. Without Merle's Place, I'd probably just
hanging out on the street. I can't say this enough, but I am very appreciative
of everyone who helped build, fund, and support Merle's."
Dan: "I couldn't ask for a better program. To anyone who made this possible:
thank you. I intend to put this opportunity to good use and make everyone
proud."
Hayden: "I'm glad to be here, really. You can't expect much after living on the
streets, but this place has been a God-send. At Merle's I have access to
employment services and job training, wonderful food, A BED, and case workers
that really work to make every opportunity made available to me."
Donald: "Merle's Place has been a real blessing and I really appreciate
everyone's time and energy into making this shelter possible for Veterans. It's
been a tremendous help to me, and I'm fortunate, and just plain glad, to be
here. I'd recommended this program to anybody: it will change your perspective
and save you from a life of homelessness."
Juan: "The opportunities at Merle's are endless; but, the best thing of all is
the opportunity I have to get back on my feet. And at Merle's I have the
opportunity to do just that."
Trade Partners
Arcadia, Inc., Brian Cox Mechanical, Inc., Bycor General Contractors, Inc., California Sheet Metal Works, Inc., Carrier Corporation, Casper Company, Inc., Crescent Electrical Supply, Daryl Griffis Acoustics, Inc., DEC Engineers, Inc., Dynalectric Company, San Diego, Emser Tile, Equastone Real Estate Investment Advisors, Faber Masonry, Facility Solutions, Finest City Acoustics, Geyer Plumbing, Hess Roofing, Inc., Howard's Rug Co., Jackson & Blanc, KHS&S Contractors, Inc., KMA Architecture and Engineering, KMP Plumbing, La Mesa Glass, Inc., LedCor Petty Construction, MPE Consulting, OJ Insulation Co., Inc., Pardee Homes, Reno Contracting, Roel Construction, Sherwin-Williams, Sherwood Mechanical, Inc., South Bay Welding, Spooners Building Products, Spooners Woodworks, Inc., Swinerton Builders, Western Fire Protection, Inc., Whitacre Construction, Inc., Wirtz Tile & Stone, Inc.