November 15, 2024

Our observance   of Veterans Day on Monday has special significance this year for the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and our Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Tom Williamson.

Broadleigh Lofts, a new $26 million housing community that CMHA and Woda Cooper Companies, Inc., are co-developing to serve homeless veterans or veterans at risk of homelessness and other individuals in need of affordable housing. 

It’s the first time in CMHA’s 90-year history that we are building an affordable housing development dedicated specifically to serving homeless veterans in Columbus. The location was selected because of its proximity to VA Wylie Clinic and other service providers, as well as convenient access to public transportation.

Broadleigh Lofts is a labor of love for CFO Williamson, who was honored for exemplary service while serving with elite special operations forces as a U.S. Army Ranger.As a disabled veteran, Tom is blessed that his disabilities have not affected his ability to work. His vision for Broadleigh Lofts is for CMHA to help ensure that every veteran in Franklin County has a safe and stable place to call home — together, we can achieve the goal of no veteran being homeless.

During recent interviews with the news media, Tom shared his passion and commitment to the Broadleigh Lofts project. Most of his military buddies have suffered debilitating physical injuries, he noted, and many have suffered from complications associated with post-traumatic stress.
Tom’s comments to reporters are poignant:

“We can do better.  Our veterans deserve safe, sanitary and affordable housing, so they can enjoy stability and have a chance to heal.  Stable housing and supportive services, tailored specifically to veterans, will provide that opportunity to heal.  This is the ‘why’ behind Broadleigh Lofts.”

I highly encourage you to take time to review the media coverage, and to thank all veterans for their service to our country.