Editor's Note: The county received $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, not $400 million as referenced in the original post below.
BATAVIA, OHIO (June 25, 2026) – Officials with Clermont County, Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) and Model Group are holding a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, June 30, for Veterans Village. The unique residential development in Monroe Township is designed to help unhoused veterans.
The ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Mt. Holly Christian Church, 2141 E. Ohio Pike, in the northern part of the township. The $10.6 million development is situated on 15 acres immediately adjacent to the church off Ohio Route 125.
We’re thrilled this project is coming to life and are hopeful it will continue to grow,” said Commissioner Bonnie Batchler. “We are continually working behind the scenes to raise additional funds and support future expansion so we can provide more housing opportunities for veterans in need.”
Batchler has long championed the project, helping to secure funding from a variety of sources that include county, state and federal dollars, and private donations.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that veterans account for more than 8 percent of all adults experiencing homelessness throughout the country. In Greater Cincinnati, there are an estimated 300 unhoused veterans and hundreds more living in places not meant for habitation.
The county and CMHA initially announced the Veterans Village project in spring 2023. Commissioners allocated $5.1 million of the county's $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and over $1.0 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds to help cover the total construction cost.
The development will feature 19 individual residential units: 16 one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units for individuals or small veteran families, ranging in size from 650 square feet to 950 square feet. Each unit will be fully furnished with a washer/dryer, internet access, patio area and parking.
In addition, the residential development will include a gazebo, pickleball courts, a community clubhouse with office space for on-site property management, Veterans Affairs staff, a large gathering space, kitchenette and computer/media area.
The units will be affordable, utilizing project-based vouchers from HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) rental subsidy. Residents will be required to pay 30 percent of their adjusted gross income to rent. Utilities will be paid for by CMHA.
“Unhoused Veterans deserve to have safe, sanitary and affordable housing after all they have sacrificed for our country,” said Alicia Morlatt, executive director for CMHA. “Our village will offer so much more than housing through intentional collaborations with the VA, HUD, and other agencies throughout Clermont County.”
Construction started this spring and is scheduled to wrap up by late 2027. Veterans are expected to begin moving in during the first quarter of 2028.
The project’s primary funding partners include Clermont County, Cincinnati Development Fund, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati, and the State of Ohio.
Speakers at the groundbreaking include the following:
➤ Read more about the project and how to donate.