Empowering Veterans:
A Dynamic Two-Phase Initiative
Phase 1: Immediate Impact – Launching a Veteran Resource Hub
We’re thrilled to announce the swift transformation of an existing property into a vibrant, temporary Veteran Resource Hub! This initial phase will immediately offer vital workshops, art classes, wellness programs, and connection to resources such as employment support, legal aid, and financial counseling to our veterans.
Phase 2: Building for the Future – A Permanent Community and Accessible Homes
Moving forward, we will be constructing a new facility featuring a dedicated Veteran Community Hub and four accessible apartments. This will provide permanent housing solutions for veterans. Upon its opening, the initial Phase 1 property will exclusively house our enriching Operation ART program.
What sets The Joel Center apart is how it combines housing, programming, and wellness features in one integrated site tailored specifically for veterans. One veteran put it best: “Walking into this room felt like coming home.” TJF is committed to ensuring that no veteran feels forgotten. The Joel Center will be a lifeline, empowering veterans to rebuild their lives with dignity, support, and stability.
Click the markers and the pictures to see what’s planned!
The Joel Center will occupy three parcels of land. The blue boarder identifies the full parcel for The Joel Center.
Phase 1 (already underway) involves the renovation of the main house at 115 W. Young Street, transforming it into a dual-purpose community and resource center. This space will host activities like art classes, coffee events, yoga, and family game nights to bring veterans and their families together. Beyond fostering camaraderie and belonging, the center will connect veterans to vital resources such as housing assistance, mental health services, employment support, and education opportunities. For many veterans, this will be a place to build community and find understanding; for others, it will be a lifeline when they need it most.
1st Floor of the current building renovation plans; credit Redline Design Group.
Transforming an existing property into a veteran resource hub, where veterans can access workshops, art classes, wellness programs, employment support, legal aid, and financial counseling.
Phase 2 includes constructing a two-story building to expand the center’s capacity. The first floor will feature flexible space for large gatherings, a conference room/classroom with hybrid technology, a commercial kitchen, and private meeting offices. The second floor will provide accessible apartments for veterans in need, developed in partnership with Wake County Veteran Services and the VA’s HUD-VASH program.
Plans below are preliminary and subject to change.
THE JOEL CENTER TIMELINE
MAY 2023
FOUND
AUGUST 2023
CONTRACT
111, 113, 115 W. Young St.
Rolesville, NC
APRIL 2024
ZONING
JUNE 2024
PURCHASE
MAY 2025
BEGIN
SUMMER 2026
PHASE 2 BEGIN
SPRING/SUMMER 2027
PHASE 2 END
THE JOEL CENTER VISION BOARD
