A significant step toward combating veteran homelessness in Sumter took place today with the groundbreaking ceremony for Hidden Wounds Village Alpha, the city’s first-ever permanent housing initiative for low-income veterans. The event, hosted at the Hidden Wounds Resource Center, brought together community leaders, local officials, and supporters to celebrate the beginning of a project dedicated to providing safe and stable housing for those who have served.

The ceremony opened with remarks from representatives of Hidden Wounds and VAlanthropy, the two organizations spearheading this initiative. The project aims to create residences for veterans facing or at risk of homelessness, offering not just a place to live but a supportive community tailored to their unique needs.

Following the speeches, the ceremonial groundbreaking took place, marking the official start of construction. Attendees applauded as shovels hit the ground, symbolizing a new beginning for veterans in need.

This initiative, made possible through the collaboration of Hidden Wounds and VAlanthropy, represents a major milestone in the ongoing effort to ensure that no veteran in Sumter is left without a home. For more information or to support the project, contact Steven Diaz at 803-873-6540.

With the groundbreaking complete, construction now moves forward on a project that will bring lasting change to Sumter’s veteran community.

Ground Breaking Ceremony at Hidden Wounds Resource Center to Unveil Sumter’s First Veterans’ Housing – Hidden Wounds Village Alpha

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Sumter, SC, February 13, 2025 – Hidden Wounds and VAlanthropy are excited to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for Sumter’s first-ever veterans’ housing project, Hidden Wounds Village Alpha. The event will take place on March 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the Hidden Wounds Resource Center, located at 21 S. Washington St, Sumter, SC 29150.

Hidden Wounds Village Alpha is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide permanent housing for low-income veterans facing homelessness the Sumter area. This project reflects the collaborative efforts of Hidden Wounds and VAlanthropy to address the critical need for safe, affordable housing for veterans and to ensure they receive the support they deserve.

“We are thrilled to unveil the first housing project of its kind for our area, Hidden Wounds Village Alpha, and to offer a supportive community for our veterans,” said Lance Newman, Executive Director of Hidden Wounds. “This project is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our partners and supporters who have made this vision a reality.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony will include remarks from key project leaders, a tour of the new housing facilities, and an opportunity to meet some of the veterans who will benefit from this initiative. Local officials, community leaders, and the public are invited to attend and celebrate this significant milestone.

For more information about the ribbon cutting ceremony, please contact Steven Diaz 803-873-6540.

We’re thrilled to share that Hidden Wounds Village—our upcoming 12-bedroom housing community for veterans—was recently featured in the news!

The Sumter City-County Planning Commission has approved this important project, which will provide affordable, accessible housing for veterans right across from the Hidden Wounds Resource Center at 21 S. Washington St.

“Knowing that we can have a special place for veterans who deserve it, to be able to have a place to stay and call theirs—that would be awesome.”
—Lance Newman, Hidden Wounds Resource Center

This development will connect veterans with critical resources, including peer support groups and a food pantry, while also offering assistance through the HUD-VASH program to make housing more affordable.

Read the full article here!

Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this project to life!