CHICAGO, April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Some 300,000 homeless people -- or about 23 percent of the nation's total homeless population -- are veterans, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. To help begin addressing this vexing problem, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago will open the 141-apartment, St. Leo's Residence for homeless veterans established on the St. Leo Campus on Chicago's South Side. In front of the St. Leo Residence stands an eternal flame, signifying America's undying gratitude for those men and women who served our country in wartime. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070410/CLTU128 ) The granite-based eternal flame is a monument that not only has special significance but also is an attention-getting focal point of the building's entry. In choosing the builder of this crucial element, Catholic Charities Housing Development Corp. entrusted the important assignment to one of Chicago's most respected construction firms: JJ Duffy. According to Mike Mozel, president of JJ Duffy, the company is honored and privileged to be a trusted partner of Catholic Charities on this project. "The creation of the eternal flame is a project that is near and dear to our hearts at JJ Duffy," Mozel said. "It honors the commitment and sacrifice made by America's fighting men and women, and the debt we feel to our U.S. military veterans. JJ Duffy is exceptionally proud to be a part of this project, and of the mission the St. Leo Residence represents." In celebration of Catholic Charities' 90th Anniversary Year, a special dedication will take place on Wednesday April 11 at St. Leo Veterans Home, 7750 S. Emerald Avenue. There, His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, O.M.J., archbishop of Chicago, and the Rev. Michael M. Boland, administrator, president and CEO are scheduled to dedicate the St. Leo Residence. Established through the collaboration of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the White House Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and the U.S. Department of Labor, the new 141-apartment St. Leo Residence is the first of five national pilot projects to provide housing and support for homeless veterans. JJ Duffy Company, headquartered at 4994 North Elston Ave., Chicago, specializes in the construction of multifamily retirement and senior living housing. With more than 80 years of construction experience, the company is a leader in Chicago construction, and is helmed by a leadership team with decades of experience in serving this important housing segment.
