Homeless veterans find new start at remodeled Macon hotel

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – “And that’s what we try to make people feel like–you are at home,” said veteran Marcus Paschal.

The key to a good home is simply looking at it the right way.

“Think of it and take it as your home,” said Paschal. “I’m looking for somewhere that’s nice and safe.”

Paschal has found his home at the Home Port Transitioning Home For Veterans in west Macon.

“A nice place, clean to lay my head to feel safe and comfortable,” said Paschal.

A group of three partners, George Brown, John Davis and Venkat Sanjeev are paying to renovate the old Ramada Inn on Harrison Road.

For both Paschal, who served as a marine, and fellow retired army veteran Tommy Barron, the transitioning home combats a difficulty.

“Veteran homelessness has been a widespread problem,” said Paschal.

That’s why the 32 rooms that are being worked on right now for veterans are so important.

“This helps in between where I’m trying to get another place to live and you know kind of get the rest of my VA benefits,” said Barron.

While manager Mack McAfee works renovates the rooms, the home is asking for 250 thousand dollars from the Macon-Bibb Commission to help build a recreation room and a place to take online training courses.

“When you’re in the military you have your ping pong tables and pool tables and all that so it’s just like still having a piece of military with you,” said Barron.

A piece of the military and a piece of home.