Nonprofit Hopes To Purchase Old Downtown Hotel For Homeless Veterans

A local nonprofit says they’re hoping they’ll be able to purchase a former downtown hotel to house the area’s homeless veterans. News 9's Clayton Cummins has the story.

Wednesday, October 14th 2020, 10:02 pm



A local nonprofit says they’re hoping they’ll be able to purchase a former downtown hotel to house the area’s homeless veterans. 

Homeless Military Veterans of Oklahoma City began talks with the current owner of the former Holiday Inn hotel located near the intersection of Main and Dewey streets this week.  

“It is very heartbreaking to see the men and women that risk their life for our freedom come home to nothing,” said Kelly Hall, President of Homeless Military Veterans. “Right now, I have two rental houses that we have been paying out of pocket to help the veterans get off the street, so far without aide.” 

The 10-story hotel was built in the 1970s and is over 104,000 square feet. 

For Hall, housing area veterans without a place to call home is a personal fight. His father was once a homeless veteran.  

“Seeing the community and everything with them actually being homeless veterans as well, was really heartbreaking,” said Hall. “It seemed like someone needed to do it.” 

Hall said he first tried to occupy the building in 2018. He said he’s waited years for the opportunity to purchase a building. 

“I really don’t think there is a word to describe it, It would be like winning the lottery,” said Hall. “It’s been me and my mom basically doing it ourselves the past couple of years, my brother stepped in and helped my stepdad.” 

A grassroots movement hoping to create a brighter future for the men and women who’ve given so much.  

“Veterans are a pretty big deal in Oklahoma City, they don’t have anywhere to go after they get their treatment,” said Hall.  

If this nonprofit does get the building, they will ask for volunteers and donations of supplies.  

Right now, the nonprofit is accepting monetary donations on their website or you can text 405-300-1819 to donate.  

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