A proposed home to help recently discharged veterans make the transition from the military to the civilian world is one step closer to reality after the Vicksburg Planning Commission Tuesday approved a special exception, opening the door to renovate the building.

Zoning administrator Dalton McCarty said the commission, meeting as the Board of Zoning Appeals, granted the exception sought by the board of directors for the Vicksburg Warren Veterans Transition Center to allow a group home at 1701 Court St., which is in a C-1 zone that allows commercial and residential development.

McCarty said the property was rezoned C-1 in 2011 by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for a proposed restaurant, but the plans fell through. He said Atwood Chevrolet, which owned the building, donated it for the center.

“We’re in good shape,” said center board president Eva Ford. “We were waiting until we got information about the zoning. We already have commitments from people who want to help us with the project, and the building and the property has already been donated and has been processed. We’re just grateful, and at this point, we’re ready to go.

“All we have to do now is get the permits (from the city) to do these things we need to do to get it ready. We’re going to get the building ready; do some renovations of the building, and we should be able to have people moving in as soon as we get that done.”

Ford said a date when residents can move in has not been set pending the start of work by contractors.

“We’ve already done some work as far as cleaning up where we can at least see which way we’re going,” she said, adding center officials have asked the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to fix the access road to the building.

Ford, a retired nurse and president of the American Legion Post 3 Auxiliary and vice president of the Legion’s State Auxiliary, said the idea for the center came during a discussion with a young veteran about his experience and how little help veterans receive after they are discharged.

The young man, she said, mentioned a center, “And I thought, it’s time to do something about it.”

She said the center has received its 501c(3) designation, adding the center is not affiliated with the American Legion or its auxiliary.

Ford said the center is geared for recently discharged veterans to help them readjust to the civilian life, and the board hopes to provide counseling for the veterans when needed. She said Warren-Yazoo Mental Health has agreed to work with the shelter, and retired teachers will come to the shelter to help veterans prepare to seek jobs by helping them with courses like math and English.

She said the board will be applying for grants and asking the community for help with donations of items like beds, linen, tools, pots and pans, silverware and twin beds. She said anyone interested in helping get the center opened will be welcomed.

“Anybody who loves a veteran and wants to do something for a veteran, we’re open for your help,” she said, adding people wanting to volunteer can call 601-638-3086.