A local nonprofit group is honoring the memory of a Korean War prisoner of war by dedicating a St. Petersburg home in his memory.
Heaven on Earth for Veterans, Inc. dedicated one of its veteran houses in memory of Army Sgt. William Allen.
"He was always one to find a cause that wasn’t being recognized and wanted to help, and this was definitely something we needed in this area,” Allen’s granddaughter, Amanda Allen, said.
The house on 22nd Avenue South is one of eight the nonprofit has bought, rehabilitated, furnished and rented to homeless veterans. The homes can house 28 veterans at a time; over the past few years, they have helped at least 95 vets.
"The first step is truly having a safe roof over your head. Because even though you want to throw different resources at someone in need, you can’t do that until they feel safe and have an address,” said retired Army Lt. Col. Carol Barkalow, Heaven on Earth for Veterans' executive director.
The nonprofit provides a laundry room, cable, internet, television and appliances. The tenants share the living spaces and are only responsible for paying between $400-$600 a month for their room and providing their own food.
The house dedicated to Allen houses three men and one woman.
"It feels more like home here than being in a transitional house, because it gives you more a 'homey' feel. You have your own space, your own stuff,” veteran Ana Agront said.
After serving in the Navy for 10 years, Agront said she fell on hard times. Since she found housing with Heaven on Earth for Veterans, she has enrolled in school and is studying criminology.
Agront said she feels inspired to pay it forward knowing Allen is now watching over her home.
"You know how when you feel lost? Well, now I have hope,” Agront said.
Heaven on Earth for Veterans, Inc. has dedicated one of its St. Petersburg homes in memory of Korean War prisoner of war William Allen. (Sara Belsole, staff)