Fresno property slated for veterans home being targeted by vandals
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A property in East Central Fresno, slated to be a transitional home for veterans, has turned into a target for vandals.
"A homeless person is someone that needs our help-- until they start vandalizing. They're criminals at that point," said Guy Adams, Director, Heart of the Horse Therapy Ranch.
Adams, said he's starting the home to help vets reintegrate into society after their return home, but he said vagrancy is proving to be a challenge.
Adams checks the house nightly to keep vandals away. Throughout the year he's had the house he's seen fences cut, windows shattered, and parts of the home destroyed. "They're taking wood from the ceiling. There's already fire damage, I'm going to have to pull all that out."
After two major fires Adams and his volunteers are saying enough is enough. The plan is to hire live in security to deter trespassers. The vacant property donated by the Gallo family sits near the winery. Heart of the horse board members said they need to raise $250,000 for repairs. The Gallos will match. "We're going to change peoples lives, just like we've done the last five years," said Jack Hannah, Heart of the Horse board member.
The program will feature mental health services and pair each veteran staying in the home with an Ag-based internship. "When you come home from war you don't really know where you are and what you're doing. It just gives you a better outlook," said Michael Perry, veteran and volunteer.
Adams hopes to have repairs finished within the year. "Once we start having a presence out here they'll stop coming."
