The Plan to End Veteran Homelessness in Collier County by Dale Mullin

The end to veteran homelessness in Collier County is near. On Nov. 7, Warrior Homes of Collier held our annual Hope and Honor Gala at the Naples Yacht Club.

This event was more than a fundraiser; it was a celebration of resilience and a testament to what is possible when a community comes together.

Not only did we honor the donors and volunteers who make our work possible, but we unveiled the Zulu Project – a 10 unit, 20 bed apartment building to house homeless veterans.

Dale Mullin

This initiative represents the next chapter in our mission. It is a bold step, designed to deepen our impact in 2026 and beyond. The Zulu Project is the final piece to reaching Functional Zero status for veteran homelessness in Collier County.

We are under contract on the Zulu Project building and will close on in early December. Located adjacent to Delta House, the Zulu Project will house up to an additional 20 Collier County homeless veterans and complete this part of our mission to end veteran homelessness in Collier County. This will bring our total number of beds available to 59.

Once we take possession of the property, major renovations will begin to prepare it for the veteran tenants. Renovations are expected to be completed no later than mid-2026 at which time veterans will begin moving in.

We began our housing initiative in earnest in 2019. Today, we operate six residences in Naples: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo and Foxtrot. Each home serves a distinct purpose.

Alpha House provides transitional housing for veterans recovering from substance use and mental health issues. Bravo and Charlie Houses offer long-term supportive housing for senior veterans living on fixed incomes. Delta House, a 10-unit apartment complex, accommodates up to 20 veterans.

Echo and Foxtrot Houses are twin homes, which sit side by side in the Bayshore area of Naples. Both homes are leased, below market rate, from Collier County as part of the county’s commitment to help end veteran homelessness.

Since our founding, we have helped more than 147 veterans find stability and purpose. Many have gone on to pursue higher education, reconnect with family and contribute meaningfully to our community.

In the last year we have provided programs and services to over 12,000 veterans and their families. Securing housing is just the beginning.

We partner with organizations such as the David Lawrence Centers, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Southwest Florida Regional Coalition to End Homelessness and VentureCares to provide mental health counseling, peer support, case management, homeless prevention and food support. We also offer educational opportunities, including scholarships and job training.

Our goal is ambitious but achievable: to reach Functional Zero status in Collier County, meaning no veteran is homeless unless by choice. As of September, of this year, fewer than an average of 10 homeless veterans remained in our region. With continued community support, we believe we can end veteran homelessness here within the year.

Warrior Homes of Collier is built on a simple but urgent belief: no veteran who served our country should ever be left behind. As a Vietnam veteran myself, I have seen the toll that war takes, not just on the battlefield, but long after the uniform is folded away. Too many of our heroes return home only to face homelessness, mental health challenges and financial instability. Warrior Homes was born to change that.

Since founding the nonprofit in 2010 we have focused on three pillars: housing, mental health and education. Through these pillars, we provide veterans with more than just shelter. It is not just about offering services.

We are working to provide the foundation for rebuilding lives. We believe in a hand up, not a handout. Every veteran who walks through our doors is met with dignity, compassion and a clear path forward.

As we look ahead, our message remains clear: the fight to end veteran homelessness is not over, but the finish line is in sight.

Warrior Homes of Collier is committed to walking alongside our veterans every step of the way.

We will continue to offer hope and a path forward for those who served.

DALE MULLIN is a Naples resident, is the founder and president of Warrior Homes of Collier

TO LEARN MORE OR SUPPORT OUR MISSION, VISIT: WWW.COLLIER.ORG