“I like living at building 47 because it keeps me safe from the elements of addiction. It’s allowing me to build a good base for when I leave.” -Gulf War Veteran Ray

Located on the VA campus in the Twin Cities metro, MACV’s Building 47 is a transitional housing program for Veterans who have completed substance abuse treatment and are looking for additional support in remaining sober before transitioning into long-term housing. While living at Building 47, Veterans can work with MACV housing case managers or access any services needed to help them rebuild their lives.

Ray, a gulf war Veteran currently in our Building 47 program, describes Building 47 as a “beautiful place to get your life back together” and encourages Veterans in crisis to contact MACV.

Before going to treatment, Ray lived on the streets for five years. Since completing treatment, he has been staying at Building 47. Ray explained that living on the VA campus helps keep him accountable for attending appointments and staying service-connected.

One person at MACV who has significantly impacted his life and the lives of many Veterans living at Building 47 over the years is the program manager Ed Williams. About Ed, Ray shared, “Ed is a genuinely beautiful person. He’s helped many people and me. He’s providing me the resources to get my life back together.”

Ray is one example of a Veteran who MACV has assisted through Building 47 since its start in 1993. To support our work of ending Veteran homelessness and supporting Veterans in rebuilding their lives, click here.