PALM SPRINGS, Fla. — A new housing development in Palm Springs is aiming to give veterans in Palm Beach County more than just a place to live — it's designed to create stability, support and community.
Stand Down PBC is building the "Village of Valor," a veteran-focused neighborhood that will include 54 affordable housing units and on-site support services for veterans and their families.
Casino Night
On Nov. 7, Stand Down is hosting Casino Night at the Lake Pavilion in West Palm Beach at 6 p.m. Proceeds will fuel their mission.
The project is being led by FaithHopeLove Charity Inc., also known as Stand Down, an organization founded by veteran Roy Foster.
"When I was released from the military in the '80s, for the next five years or so, I just drifted around and around, not realizing that I actually needed some assistance," Foster said.
Foster said his experiences after leaving the military inspired him to create Stand Down after realizing how few services were available for veterans transitioning back into civilian life.
"I went into the VA in Miami in '89, and the realization of what was available to veterans was frightening," Foster said. "It was a situation where this can't continue to go on and on and on."
Foster said the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks further motivated him to dedicate himself full time to helping veterans.
"I saw the towers being hit," Foster said. "The realization was, I know what happened after Vietnam — limited services, angry veterans coming home. It couldn't continue."
He said the goal now is to empower veterans rather than abandon them.
Village of Valor to include affordable housing for veterans
Josh Maddock, executive director of Stand Down PBC, said the Village of Valor is designed specifically to address affordable housing needs for veterans in Palm Beach County.
"The Village of Valor is 54 two- and three-bedroom units for our veterans," Maddock said. "It's 130 bedrooms of affordable housing in Palm Beach County."
The community is being built for homeless and nearly homeless veterans and their families. Organizers say the site will also include support resources designed to help veterans build long-term stability.
The project has personal meaning for many connected to the organization.
Board member Sylvia Meade said seeing her husband struggle after military service showed her how important a resource like this can be.
"After seeing that my husband went through a moment of crisis after being in the Army, having something like this would have been such an amazing resource," Meade said.
Veterans share success stories through Stand Down
Several veterans who received support through Stand Down said transitional housing and assistance programs helped them rebuild their lives.
Ariana Valentin said the organization helped her move from renting to homeownership.
"I'm now a homeowner from being a renter to now a homeowner," Valentin said. "Stand Down was a great resource for me."
Veteran and caregiver James McFadden also credited the nonprofit for helping him achieve homeownership.
"I finally own my home, my first home in April," McFadden said. "I really appreciate Stand Down for helping me to do that."
According to Stand Down, the organization provides more than 10,000 sheltered nights annually through Stand Down House and assists more than 1,000 veterans and family members each year through the First Stop Veterans' Resource Center.
Construction on the Village of Valor began in late 2025, and organizers say the project represents a long-term effort to reduce veteran homelessness in Palm Beach County.
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