San Francisco's Mayor Ed Lee announces new housing plan for veterans

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee announced a plan Friday that would give the city's homeless veterans a new roof over their heads.

On any given night, at least 50,000 veterans sleep on our nation's streets. "No man or woman, especially those who served our country should have to sleep on the street," Salesforce Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff said.

Benioff was among a group of tech and business leaders who gave $5 million toward this project, which will house homeless veterans and low-income families.

The Golden State Warriors were part of the philanthropic group. "It was a call to action and it's one that the Warriors absolutely are answering. After all, we call ourselves the Golden State Warriors right," Golden State Warriors President Rick Welts said.

About 101 housing units will be constructed on the corner of 3rd and Mission Rock streets, which is adjacent to the Muni T-line and across the street from the new public safety building near AT&T Park.

About 50 of the units will be for low-income families and the other 50 will be for homeless vets.

Lee's passion for this project is personal. "I don't have an opportunity to thank my dad for being a veteran, so I will speak through the veterans here to thank him," he said.

A Vietnam vet named Duane Ray who works for San Francisco's Veterans Homeless Outreach program is also thankful for the program because he was once homeless. "Some nights I used to walk all night and get on the BART in the morning and ride BART," he said.

There are many sad stories like that among veterans who return home, especially among those who served in Vietnam.

San Francisco's Human Services Agency will provide services at the housing project site to support veterans needs.

Officials say construction will begin next year.