The Vicksburg Warren Veterans Transition Center is one step closer to opening its doors thanks to a decision from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

The property, located at 1701 Court St., has been approved as a group home, though it lies in an area zoned for commercial and residential development.

Future plans for the building now include renovation in order to get the space suited for recently discharged veterans who will make the transition from the military to civilian.

The property was donated to the board overseeing the project by Atwood Chevrolet, a commendable effort to show a business’s priority in the community.

“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,” said Eva Ford, who serves as board president. “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.”

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.

It’s true. When those who risk their lives to ensure our safety and well-being return to civilian life, there are often more obstacles than answers during the transition period.

The center will be 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. 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.

Ford has said the board will be applying for grants and asking the community for help with donations of items like beds, linens, tools, pots and pans, silverware and twin beds.

Anyone interested in helping the center to open is welcome to do so, and we encourage residents and businesses to get on board with this worthy cause.

Thank you, Eva Ford, the Board of Zoning Appeals and Atwood Chevrolet for helping those who make our way of life possible.