MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Michigan Veterans Facility Authority along with Michigan Veterans Homes leadership held a meet and greet session Tuesday evening at Ore Dock Brewery in Marquette.
The purpose of the event was to answer questions from the public and build solid relationships between Michigan Veterans Homes and the community. The event had no agenda, there was no presentation, and no updates were given regarding the relocation of the DJ Jacobetti Home for Veterans.
Director of Development for MVH, Ryan Engle said the event was an informal conversation regarding the future of the Jacobetti Home for Veterans. “We invited interested community members, anybody that has an interest in the replacement veterans home, to come out and engage with our board of directors and Michigan veterans leadership to learn more,” he said.
The new facility will occupy 38 acres on a plot of land just south of the Marquette Cinemas, just east of wright street. The layout of the new facility will be a significant improvement from the former hospital currently in use. “You know, when you go into long term care, you deserve a space that maybe is not home, but it needs to feel as close to home as possible,” said Engle.
Tonight’s meet and greet was well attended with much of the questions about the timeline for the new veterans home, state approval, and funding. There are currently only three veterans homes in Michigan. They are Marquette County, Macomb County and Kent County. If all goes as planned, groundbreaking should be next year with completion set for 2028.
