FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ST. MICHAEL’S VETERANS CENTER COMPLETES DECADE-LONG VISION WITH DEDICATION OF VALOR HOUSE
Completion of Phase III expands the campus to 179 affordable homes and fulfills the original commitment to Kansas City veterans

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 30, 2026) – St. Michael’s Veterans Center, a nonprofit organization that provides quality, affordable housing to veterans who are homeless or disabled in the Kansas City area, today celebrated the dedication of Valor House (originally known as “Phase III”), marking the completion of the organization’s original master campus plan and fulfilling a vision more than a decade in the making to provide permanent housing, supportive services, and community for veterans experiencing homelessness.

The opening of Valor House adds 62 affordable apartment homes to the SMVC campus, bringing the total number of homes available to veterans to 179. The milestone represents the culmination of years of collaboration among veterans, community leaders, public and private partners, donors, and advocates who shared a belief that every veteran deserves a safe place to call home.

“More than a decade ago, our community made a commitment to veterans experiencing homelessness,” said Susan Engel, executive director of St. Michael’s Veterans Center. “Today, we celebrate fulfilling that promise. Valor House is the final piece of a vision that demonstrates what is possible when a community comes together around a shared mission. We haven’t simply built housing. We’ve built a community where veterans can find stability, dignity, purpose, and belonging.”

The dedication ceremony brought together veterans, elected officials, funding partners, development and construction teams, community supporters, and longtime advocates who helped transform the original vision into reality.

“I love being here!” said Kevin Curtis, a veteran resident. “It’s like a big ol’ family, it’s camaraderie. I’ve always felt safer around veterans than I do around other people, so living here is just great.”

The completion of Valor House comes at a time when communities across the nation continue to grapple with homelessness. St. Michael’s Veterans Center has emerged as a local model for addressing veteran homelessness through a combination of permanent affordable housing and wraparound support services.

“For me, Valor House isn’t just an apartment, it’s a home,” said Tim Skomo resident.

Since opening its first residential building in 2014, St. Michael’s has achieved remarkable outcomes:

• 97% of veterans remain permanently housed
• 90% of veterans choose to continue living at St. Michael’s each year
• Almost 60 new veterans have been welcomed to campus through Valor House
• The campus now provides housing opportunities for 179 veterans

Beyond housing, veterans have access to supportive services, peer connections, employment assistance, wellness resources, and a community designed to help them thrive.

The dedication also honors the countless individuals who helped bring the project to life, including the late Art Fillmore, longtime board chairman, Vietnam veteran, and nationally recognized advocate for veterans.

Fillmore often spoke about America’s promise to those who served. His leadership was instrumental in transforming the vision for St. Michael’s Veterans Center from an idea into a reality.

“Art believed our nation had a responsibility to ensure veterans were not forgotten after their service ended,” Engel said. “His leadership helped create a place where that promise is fulfilled every day. We are proud to dedicate this milestone in honor of the vision he helped champion.”

The completion of Valor House coincides with continued progress on Patriot Park, a new gathering space and community landmark on the St. Michael’s campus that is expected to open later this year. Together, the projects represent the final elements of the organization’s original master plan.

As St. Michael’s looks ahead, leaders say the mission remains unchanged: ensuring veterans have access to housing, support, and a community that empowers them to succeed.

“Buildings alone do not end homelessness,” said Engel. “People do, partnerships do, communities do. Valor House stands as proof of what can happen when a city chooses to invest in those who have served our country.”

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About St. Michael’s Veterans Center
St. Michael’s Veterans Center is a leading nonprofit in the Kansas City area committed to providing quality, affordable apartment homes and supportive services to veterans who are homeless or disabled. Since 2014, St. Michael’s Veterans Center has served nearly 200 formerly homeless men, women and children at its 24-acre permanent housing campus for veterans. Learn more at www.smvets.org.

Media Contact: Kelsey Rockey, 913-956-9959