NAPLES, Fla. - s4story -- Warrior Homes of Collier is one step closer to ending veteran homelessness in Collier County after making a major announcement at its recent Hope & Honor Gala. The nonprofit revealed at the Gala on Nov. 7 that it is under contract to purchase a 10-unit apartment building that will house 20 veterans beginning no later than mid-2026.

Calling it the Zulu Project, Warrior Homes, along with the support of the PulteGroup of Southwest Florida, the nation's third-largest home builder, will undertake a nearly $3 million project to purchase and renovate the building. Expected to begin by mid-December, the renovations should take approximately 3-6 months.

"We are thrilled to be able to launch this project for homeless veterans here in Collier County," said Dale Mullin, a retired Vietnam veteran, founder and president of Warrior Homes of Collier. "Our goal starting six years ago was to end veteran homelessness in Collier County. With the assistance of our supporters on the Zulu Project we see that goal being reached in 2026."

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The Zulu Project is the final piece to reaching Functional-Zero status for veteran homelessness in Collier County. Functional-Zero means no veteran is homeless unless by choice. As of the start of 2025, a monthly average of 10 homeless veterans remained in Collier County, a major reduction from 97 since 2019.

The announcement took place at the organization's annual gala, which this year featured U.S. Marine Corps LtGen (Ret.) John F. Sattler as its first-time distinguished guest speaker. The event raised $1.2 million for Warrior Homes of Collier.

Ending veteran homelessness in Collier County will be a major milestone, as only 85 other communities in the entire nation, including two counties in the northeast section of Florida, have done so, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Once complete, all units in the building will have new kitchens, flooring, furniture, appliances and fresh coats of paint; plus, the entire property will be landscaped.

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Warrior Homes of Collier currently operates six Naples residences for local veterans: Alpha House, a short-term, transitional home for those in recovery from substance-use issues; Delta House, a long-term supportive housing complex with 10 apartments for up to 20 veterans; as well as Bravo, Charlie, Echo and Foxtrot Houses. Warrior Homes has housed 142 veterans since initiating this program.

In addition to temporary housing solutions, Warrior Homes connects veterans with support services like mental health counseling, peer support as well as educational opportunities that offer college scholarships. The organization also helps veterans at risk of losing their homes or falling behind on essential bills by offering monetary assistance. Last year, over 12,000 veterans and their families benefited from their program support.