As Veterans Day approaches, a group of former servicemembers, including some who had been homeless, are living in bright, modern quarters just east of downtown Vero Beach, thanks to the patriotism and passion of retired Kentucky judge Sandra McLaughlin. A longtime advocate for homeless military veterans, McLaughlin and her husband, Art McLaughlin, purchased the dilapidated Courtyard Villas motel in 2017, paying $1 million for the 1950s-vintage motor court that had been serving as a de facto homeless shelter for veterans and others. In 2019, they secured approval from the City of Vero Beach to tear down the shabby cottages and build a modern apartment building on a rectangular 1.4 acres that fronts on Royal Palm Boulevard, sitting in the open end of the horseshoe formed by Ponce de León Circle. Named James Arthur Court in honor of Sandra McLaughlin’s father and uncle, James and Arthur, both military veterans, the new complex at 1055 Royal Palm Boulevard was designed in West Indies style by Jeff Ray of Atelier de Architecture and completed in 2022. Vero Beach 32963 reported on the inception, progress and completion of the project and went back in October to see how things stand several years later. Today, the crisp white, single-story structure with lush landscaping in front and a parking lot in back encompasses 20 apartments, each one about 500 square feet with a comfortable living room; kitchen with range, oven and fridge; bedroom with closet; and bath with shower. Although most residents are military veterans, residency cannot by law be restricted to veterans, according to the city’s land development code. Currently, of the 20 residents, 14 are veterans and one is the widow of a veteran, according to Sandra McLaughlin. Resident Jason Brennan, a U.S. Navy veteran fighting colon cancer, was homeless before coming to James Arthur Court four months ago. “I love this place,” he says. Another Navy veteran, Eddie Serrrano, served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. After leaving the service, he too found himself homeless and spent several years living in “the woods,” before coming to James Arthur Court 2 years ago. “We call it Sandy’s House. She takes care of us,” he says, explaining that McLaughlin knows not just every resident’s name but also their life stories. And, he says, opening a door in the breezeway, “There’s a laundry room. It’s free.” Vincent Lewis has been a James Arthur Court resident “since the beginning.” With a distinctive deep voice, Lewis worked in radio and TV doing voiceovers until suffering a stroke and ending up homeless. He was connected with the complex “through the city,” and has called it home since 2022. Aaron Bishop served in Afghanistan until he suffered a leg injury and developed PTSD. “I’ve been here for three years,” he says, adding that James Arthur Court has changed his life. McLaughlin, who has a home in Vero Beach, is on property most every day, and does regular inspections. Because many residents have serious health issues, often age-related, and physical limitations, she checks on them regularly to make sure there is plenty of food, and that each apartment is clean. She recently hired a housecleaner for those who, due to health issues, are unable to handle housework alone. McLaughlin admires one of the residents named Linda, who is, she explains, a “legacy” resident – one of those who lived in the old motel and was allowed to transfer into the new facility. “She goes to Moffitt regularly,” says McLaughlin. “She’s fighting the battle of her life, but she is still the Queen Bee. She tends to the flowers. She’s family. We’re all family.” Serrano nods in agreement. “We’re not just a random group,” he says. McLaughlin says the facility is usually full. Units typically become available as tenants leave or pass away and there’s always a wait list. To identify potential residents, “we send out a group email to the West Palm Beach VA and HUD,” McLaughlin notes. Rent is calculated via HUD based on income and varies “from zero to $300 or $400.” Local organizations and individuals support the facility with food and other items, typically dropping donations off on or near a community table set up in the front breezeway. Groups that help provide food and other supplies on a regular basis are the Salvation Army, Team Jesus, the Elks and the Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council. James Arthur Court is dog friendly and provides resident and neighborhood pooches with a white-fenced dog park set up near the front entrance gate. A sign welcomes neighborhood dogs to stop by for a drink of cool water and a romp on their daily walk. <em>Photos by Joshua Kodis</em> [gallery ids="238022,238023,238024"]