Bay Veterans Workshop and Learning Center Update

We've received a number of inquiries regarding status of the Bay Area Veterans Workshop and Learning Center, located at 4th and Madison so here's an update.

If driving past you can see new curbing, gutters and sidewalks are partially installed. The remainder of the exterior siding has finally been received and will soon complete the outside walls, thus tying the two buildings together.

New roofing membrane and insulation over the main building has been installed, including the porch at the main entrance. New brick and windows are in place on the oldest part of the structure (westside).

All interior walls and ceilings are in, new plumbing and all electrical installed, as well as data ports, security systems, and HVAC units.

All inside walls are painted except for the main shop area.

If anyone is interested and available, this coming Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (July 6-8) we are looking for 6 to 8 volunteers from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm to paint. If interested please respond to this post or leave a message at 989.572.6896. A few hours of your time will be very helpful and greatly appreciated. Once the shop is painted we need to remove all interior items so flooring throughout the entire building can be installed.

Like everything else we've been impacted by labor shortages, supply chain delays, and increased costs. But with all that we are grateful for the leadership of our contractor, Serenus Johnson, and all of our subcontractors whom we will list in an upcoming post.

Over the past few months we have had numerous visits by area companies anxious for the Center to open. That can't happen until we receive our occupancy permit, which is hopefully by end of summer. If our application for  County ARPA funds is accepted we can complete Phase II of the project and be fully functional.

A number of individuals and organizations have met with us to offer services for woodworking classes, skill training in plumbing and electrical work, and introductory courses in CNC and laser engraving. We've also been approached by area universities, individual therapists, and veteran led peer- to-peer counseling. There are so many more possibilities and will soon invite anyone who has thoughts and interests to meet with us for input and discussion. Though Bay Veterans Foundation is veteran-focused and veteran-driven, we are part of the larger community and intend to continue the strong bond that has developed.