Redlands Celebrates Grand Opening of 80-Unit Veteran Housing Community
Photos by David James Heiss
Visitors walk to check out a vacant apartment at Liberty Village.
By David James Heiss
Redlands News Collective
John Davis, a 71-year-old Navy veteran, bounced from campsite to campsite, usually on Bureau of Land Management grounds, forced to pick up stakes and move every 14 days.
A divorcee struggling with health issues on a fixed income who admittedly made some unfortunate life decisions, Davis lived in his “home on wheels” for more than three years. His only real company was rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. He had scenic views of bright moonlit nights and amazing sunsets.
Navy veteran John Davis speaks to guests.
Davis, who last called Norfolk, Virginia, home, eventually made his way to California. After his nomadic vehicle’s check engine light came on, he mustered the courage to call the National Veterans Hotline.
It couldn’t hurt, he told nearly 100 guests who gathered for the official April 1 ribbon-cutting at Liberty Lane.
Crews broke ground in December 2023 for the 80-unit gated community where Davis now lives. It is dedicated to housing low-income and disabled veterans and their families. The first residents moved into units at Liberty Lane in December 2025.
“I’m very grateful,” he said, visibly moved. “I’ve achieved a quality of life on my fixed income” that he could not have previously anticipated. “I will never forget the call I got from Liberty Lane” asking if he would be available the next day to pick up the key to his new apartment.
Make it stand out
A Community of Friends (ACOF) President Dora Leong Gallo, left, accepts a congressional certificate from Eric Peetoom, a field representative for Congressman Pete Aguilar, a former Redlands mayor.
He credited various partnering agencies and organizations for providing him with a sustainable living option at the corner of Texas Street and Lugonia Avenue. He thanked his case managers, volunteers and service organizations that continue to provide support for his journey as a Redlands resident.
Dozens of dignitaries and organizational leaders associated with bringing Liberty Lane to fruition over the past 12 years addressed the visitors.
The project was personally significant to Elizabeth Garcia, board treasurer for the nonprofit A Community of Friends (ACOF), which runs 53 affordable housing developments around Southern California. Garcia has family members who served in World War II and more recent relatives currently serving around the world. She has had the privilege of preparing care packages for those serving abroad.
“I really appreciate every veteran,” she said.
Dora Leong Gallo, president and CEO of ACOF, said that with just three apartments still vacant, the complex was at 95% capacity. She called Liberty Lane “a beautiful addition to Redlands that serves an important purpose.”
Visitors inspect a kitchen and dining area of a Liberty Lane apartment.
Graham Espley-Jones, president and CEO of Costa Mesa-based Western Community Housing, referred to the residents of Liberty Lane — as well as many of the volunteers who helped build the complex — as heroes. Since 2013, his agency has been providing funding for affordable housing.
He noted that Holland & Knight, whose San Francisco-based attorney Daniel Golub wrote the book on defending SB 35 projects, provided pro bono services when Liberty Lane was hit with a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) lawsuit that stalled the project during its first several years of conception.
Remarks also came from Mayor Mario Saucedo, who provided input for Liberty Lane before he was elected to the City Council; Rishad Mitha, deputy executive director of the Housing Authority of San Bernardino County; Eri Kameyama, executive director of JPMorgan Chase, which provided $41 million in construction financing; and Craig Turley, president of Redlands Charitable Resources Coalition.
Other speakers included Anais Franco, a representative for Assemblyman James Ramos, and Eric Peetoom, a veterans liaison for Rep. Pete Aguilar.
County Supervisor Dawn Rowe acknowledged the partners that helped make the project a success. As to the veterans, “It’s the least we can do to honor you,” Rowe said.
Colleagues representing A Community of Friends (ACOF) gather for a photo opp at the playground.
Gallo concluded by announcing ACOF’s upcoming awards celebration fundraiser on June 4 at 6 p.m. in Los Angeles.
“Liberty Lane was a deeply collaborative effort powered by the commitment of the community and our government partners,” Gallo said. “Together we persevered through every challenge, never losing sight of our shared mission: to create affordable, safe and stable housing for our veterans who served our country.”