MADISON, Wis.– Throughout the pandemic, work has continued on many major construction projects across the city, including a first-of-its-kind concept on Madison’s near-east side.
Once complete, the Valor on Washington will be a six-story, 59-unit complex on East Washington Ave., designed specifically for veterans and their families. It will be the largest development of its kind in the country.
DryHootch, a safe, drug and alcohol-free community for veterans to socialize, is the group responsible for bring the Valor to Madison.
Its president, Bob Curry, describes it as a much-needed home for veterans who, like himself, have struggled adjusting to life after the military.
“We thought, we need to get these people together,” Curry said. “There are some things ‘regular folks’ just won’t understand. This is the place where they’re home. The ‘hootch’ means home.”
This fall, DryHootch will move from its current building on University Avenue to a new, much larger space on the near-east side. The Valor will offer 59 affordable two- and three-bedroom units for veterans and their families, a community room, playground, and fitness center, in addition to on-site mental health counseling and a first-floor coffee shop, which will be open to the public.
“This will be a real welcoming setting,” said Otis Winstead, Executive Director of DryHootch. Winstead, a Vietnam veteran like Curry, calls the community element of the Valor key because in addition to thanking veterans for their service, sometimes the most important thing people can say is nothing at all.
“‘Thank you for your service’ is a great thing,” Winstead explained. “But the other thing is listening. Take that moment. Hear their stories.”
The Valor and its coffee shop are expected to open this fall.
Click here to connect with DryHootch Madison and learn more about the Valor.
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