Warrior Homes of Collier receives $300,000 grant from The Schoen Foundation

Warriors Homes of Collier, Inc. has been awarded a $300,000 grant from The Schoen Foundation, an organization created by late Naples businessman and health care executive William “Bill” Schoen. This is the largest one-time grant ever received by Warrior Homes.

“We are extremely grateful to The Schoen Foundation for its incredible donation,” said Dale Mullin, a retired Vietnam veteran, founder and president of Warriors Homes of Collier, Inc. “We appreciate the tremendous support of organizations in the community that are committed to helping us reach our goal of ending veteran homelessness in Collier County.”

Warrior Homes, which assists veterans in need with housing, mental health support and access to higher education, will use the six-figure donation to assist in paying down the mortgage on its seventh residence, Zulu Project.

The Zulu Project is a 10-unit apartment building that will house 20 veterans later this year. Currently being renovated in Naples, the $3 million project began in December of last year with the purchase of the building by Warrior Homes. The project is the final piece to reaching Functional-Zero status for veteran homelessness in Collier County. Functional-Zero means no veteran is homeless unless by choice.

The Schoen Foundation was established in 1993 by William J. and Sharon Schoen in Naples, dedicated to supporting veteran causes, ending homelessness and hunger, as well as promoting education and Christian organizations. Schoen, a Korean War veteran, was the founder, CEO and board chair of Health Management Associates, Inc., and a former chairman of Commerce Bank of Naples.

Warrior Homes operates six Naples residences for local veterans: Alpha House, a short-term, transitional home for those in recovery from substance-use issues; Delta House, a supportive housing complex with 10 apartments for up to 20 veterans; as well as Bravo, Charlie, Echo and Foxtrot Houses, which provide long-term supportive housing for veterans.

In addition to temporary housing solutions, Warrior Homes connects veterans with support services like mental health counseling and peer support, as well as educational opportunities that offer college scholarships.

Unlike many nonprofits, Warrior Homes does not receive government funding and instead relies on community support and private sector contributions. Residents pay rent on a sliding scale, but never more than 30% of their income.