‘We’re building dignity for people’ Women vets focus of Veterans Village

Project will create 32 housing units for those exiting homelessness

By Mia Ryder-Marks, Staff writer

June 19, 2025 8:01 am

Clark County, News

Dignitaries use gold shovels Tuesday during a groundbreaking ceremony for America for Veterans Foundation’s 32-unit residential community for women veterans. (Photos by Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

America for Veterans Foundation board member Ron Fryer and others in his organization have worked for nearly 10 years to open Veterans Village, a 32-unit residential community for women veterans.

America for Veterans Foundation board member Rosemary Fryer speaks to a crowd during a groundbreaking ceremony June 10, 2025, for Veterans Village. Women veterans are four times more likely to experience homelessness than male veterans.

People listen to speakers during a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for America for Veterans Foundation’s housing project, Veterans Village. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

A crowd listens to America for Veterans Foundation board member Ingrid Friedberg speak on June 10, 2025, during a groundbreaking ceremony for America for Veterans Foundation’s 32-unit residential community for women veterans. (Photos by Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

Wolf Industries owner Derek Huegel speaks Tuesday during the groundbreaking ceremony. The company will build the housing units for Veterans Village.

As steel bit into the ground and dirt gave way, Rosemary Fryer took a moment to reflect on the symbolism of the moment.

After nearly 10 years of work, the America for Veterans Foundation broke ground on its first housing project, Veterans Village.

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