VBC Giving Foundation Launches Flagship Veterans Village Modular Housing Community in Philadelphia

The VBC Giving Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the philanthropic arm of Volumetric Building Companies (VBC), founded on the principle that respectable, safe, quality housing is imperative for everyone, including veterans and vulnerable communities alike, today launches the Bernard Spain Campus of the organization’s Veterans Village, in the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia.

The $6 million, 47-unit new construction permanent housing community and notably the first project spearheaded by the VBC Giving Foundation, will serve as a template for future modular housing projects serving seniors, veterans, children aging out of foster care, abuse survivors and refugees.

Dana Spain, President of the Board of the VBC Giving Foundation, stated that: “This is not just a momentous occasion for the VBC Giving Foundation and Volumetric Building Companies – It is a stepping stone in realizing the promise and potential behind replicating the innovative, modular housing model which we’ve established here in Philadelphia, to serve America’s veterans now and in future.”

“An increasing number of those heroes are today facing conditions of abject poverty, homelessness and housing insecurity, among other vulnerable communities previously underserved. We’re looking to change that. In helping individuals and families achieve their own version of the American Dream, we also recognize that this would not be possible, were it not for the support of our donors and partners. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every organization and individual donor, who, like us, see a model in modular housing with unlimited potential, both in the United States and around the world,” Spain continued.

Donors such as Saint-Gobain forged their partnership with the VBC Giving Foundation through a shared commitment to providing solutions to help address affordable housing needs for underserved veterans.

“As the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, it is our ambition at Saint-Gobain to improve lives in our community and make the world a better home. By providing safe, sustainable, and high-quality housing products and solutions for the Veteran’s Village project, we are maximizing our positive impact in the veteran community in Philadelphia,” stated Mark Rayfield, President & CEO of Saint-Gobain North America, and CertainTeed.

“Through the Saint-Gobain North America Foundation and our building materials subsidiary CertainTeed, we have contributed over $175,000 in siding and insulation products and monetary donations. Our employees also provided their support, solutions, and expertise to the Veterans Village project. With over 900 veterans, reservists, or National Guards soldiers, Saint-Gobain is dedicated to the mentorship, camaraderie, and service of our veterans and military who have given so much to our country. Together with the VBC Giving Foundation, we are building the foundations and affecting the lives of the men and women who have selflessly sacrificed for our country.”

The timing of the Veterans Village launch, in the eyes of VBC Giving Foundation leadership, is most appropriate, addressing what has been referred to as ‘a quiet crisis’ which intensified in the wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 for numerous communities in need.

A National Library of Medicine Report indicates that in 2023, there is a continued need to dedicate public and private sector resources to addressing the epidemic of veteran homelessness across sociodemographic groups. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that roughly 40,056 Veterans are homeless on any given night, of whom 4,300+ are women; an astounding 70% of homeless women Veterans are also, single mothers.

1 in 4 Veterans further experience post-traumatic stress disorder and are twice as likely as their civilian counterparts to commit suicide.

And with the issue of veteran suicide on the rise in the United States, the VBC Giving Foundation believes that providing a safe place for veterans to call home will make a significant impact in combating this troubling trend. By ensuring that veterans have a stable and secure living situation, the Foundation will provide them with the support and resources they need to overcome the challenges that they may face after separating from the military.

“Our goal is to create a community where veterans feel valued, supported, and connected, reducing the feelings of isolation and hopelessness that can contribute to suicidal ideation,” VBC Giving Foundation Director John P. Jones, SSgt USMC Ret stated.

“While we celebrate today’s long anticipated launch and commend our donors and partners for their critical role in helping our organization raise the necessary capital to create the well-designed, energy efficient, superior modular housing project which we see today at Veterans Village, we know that our mission to ease the housing burden afflicting my fellow veterans, among myriad vulnerable communities, is an ongoing one. We must continue to innovate, continue to collaborate, continue to replicate this proven model to create communities, now and for generations to come. We encourage our donors to watch this space, as it is truly in our hands to create lasting, housing industry-redefining change,” Jones concluded.

Contact Information

Samuel Amsterdam

Marketing & Communications

VBC Giving Foundation

Contact via E-mail