Community briefs: Veterans village opens in former Southfield hotel; county workforce board wins state award
A former Southfield Holiday Inn converted by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation into housing and services for homeless veterans has held its grand opening. Separately, the Oakland County Workforce Development Board received the Michigan Works! Association's 2026 Board of Excellence Award.
By OCJ Staff
Southfield: Veterans village opens in converted Holiday Inn
The Southfield Veteran's Village, a former Holiday Inn transformed into housing for homeless veterans, has held its grand opening, FOX 2 Detroit reported Wednesday.
The Tunnel to Towers Foundation provides housing there for about 90 veterans experiencing homelessness, and the village offers wrap-around financial, legal and health care services, including mental health help, according to FOX 2. The foundation also has veterans villages in Tennessee, South Carolina, Texas and Georgia, the station reported.
Frank Siller said residents have "all the services on the first floor that they need," FOX 2 reported.
Oakland County: Workforce board wins Board of Excellence Award
The Michigan Works! Association has given its 2026 Board of Excellence Award to the Oakland County Workforce Development Board, the county announced Wednesday.
The board, appointed by County Executive Dave Coulter, oversees Oakland County Michigan Works!, which the county says serves 105,000 job seekers and 1,000 employers each year at centers in Novi, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy and Waterford.
Presenting the award, association CEO Ryan Hundt cited the board's work on Clean Slate, American Rescue Plan Act investments and regional talent initiatives, according to the county.
"This recognition truly belongs to the professionals who do the work every day," board Chairman Dr. Hernando Flowers said, according to the county. Oakland County Michigan Works! Director Jennifer Llewellyn thanked the volunteer board for its time, the release said.
Sources: FOX 2 Detroit, "Southfield Veteran's Village opens to serve those who have served" (Oct. 21, 5:45 p.m.); Oakland County news release, "Oakland County Workforce Development Board Receives Board of Excellence Award from Michigan Works! Association" (Oct. 21, 10:55 a.m.).