Georgia Leaders Rally Behind Mighty Hero Homes’ Vision to End Veteran Homelessness

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — May 12, 2026
Mighty Hero Homes announced today it has secured 20 acres of land adjacent to the Georgia War Veterans Home at the former Central State Hospital site in Milledgeville, advancing plans for an 84-home veteran housing development designed to address homelessness and housing instability among Georgia veterans.

The proposed community will provide permanent affordable housing alongside wraparound support services for veterans facing challenges related to PTSD, mental health, substance abuse recovery, and economic hardship. Leaders behind the project say the development represents a significant step toward creating long-term housing solutions for veterans while generating economic impact for Milledgeville and Baldwin County.

State Sen. Rick Williams played a key role in helping secure the land and has championed the project as an economic and community development opportunity for Baldwin County and the greater Milledgeville region.

“This moment is bigger than a land announcement,” said Derek Layne, director of Mighty Hero Homes. “For four years, we have worked, prayed, and fought for the opportunity to create a place where veterans can find stability, dignity, and hope again. These homes will give 84 veterans a permanent place to call home and a community that values their service and sacrifice.”

Lt. Gov. Burt Jones has also publicly supported the project as part of broader statewide efforts to address veteran homelessness. Earlier this month, Jones issued a public statement highlighting the development and communicated directly with Donald J. Trump, VA Secretary Doug Collins, and HUD Secretary Scott Turner to raise awareness about the initiative and the estimated $20 million needed to fully fund the project.

According to Mighty Hero Homes, the development is expected to create long-term benefits for the region through construction activity, local partnerships, job creation, and expanded support services connected to veteran care. The organization said the project’s location near the Georgia War Veterans Home reinforces its mission of creating a veteran-centered environment focused on healing, independence, and community support.

“This property represents a new beginning for veterans who have often felt forgotten after returning home,” said Drew Walston, founder of Mighty Hero Homes. “Every home in this community will hold the story of a man or woman who served this country. Our goal is to create a place where those stories continue with hope, purpose, and restoration.”

While the organization celebrates the land acquisition milestone, leaders acknowledge substantial work remains during the pre-development phase, including engineering, infrastructure planning, fundraising, and securing public-private partnerships necessary to move construction forward.

The project aligns with growing national and state conversations surrounding veteran homelessness and the need for sustainable housing solutions that combine affordability with long-term supportive services.

The proposed development at the former Central State Hospital property seeks to transform a historic site into a place of restoration, healing, and renewed purpose for veterans who once fought for the freedoms Americans enjoy every day.

Because The Deserve Better!

About Mighty Hero Homes

Mighty Hero Homes is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization focused on developing permanent affordable housing communities for veterans experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The organization’s mission is to restore hope, dignity, and independence through housing, wraparound support services, and veteran-centered community development.

Media Contact

Derek Layne
Director, Mighty Hero Homes

Mighty Hero Homes Contact Page