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Housing Offers Struggling Veterans New Starts

BOYLE HEIGHTS (CBSLA.com) — A special housing complex is giving dozens of down-and-out Los Angeles veterans a home just in time for Veterans Day.

Beswick Senior Apartments, designed specifically for veterans, opened Monday in Boyle Heights.

Reginald Newbie was one of the residents at the opening ceremony.

"I've been praying for a place of my own, and I guess God was listening," said Newbie as he unpacked.

While emptying a gift bag filled with essentials, he said what meant the most was a calendar: "This will be dates of living in a nice apartment. It finally came."

Monday is the date that marks the end of 10 years spent homeless.

Newbie was joined by dozens of other veterans celebrating the unveiling of Beswick.

Developers East L.A. Community Corp. and New Directions teamed up for this project in an effort to eliminate homelessness in the area.

Vietnam veteran Leo Elliott was brought to tears as he talked about his new home.

Marine Corps veteran Jamal Haqq called it a lifesaver: "It's nothing short of a miracle for me. I'm extremely grateful. I feel my life coming back. I feel my energy coming back."

Newbie showed CBS2/KCAL9 his new apartment, furnished with a comfortable bed, table and chairs.

Outside, an American flag waved in a soft breeze. Inside, Newbie laid down a welcome mat to his new home: "The days of living in the elements are over. Or sleeping in my car."

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