[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz announced that the newly opened Minnesota Veterans Home in Montevideo admitted its first residents today – four veterans who served in eras from World War II to Vietnam. The Montevideo Veterans Home is the second of three new veterans homes to open this year. The Preston Veterans Home admitted its first residents on Jan. 3 and the Bemidji Veterans Home will open in the coming weeks. Photos from the opening can be found here .

“We’re proud to expand service to our veterans in southwest Minnesota through the new veterans home in Montevideo,” said Governor Walz. “This is another measure of the state’s respect and dedication for those who’ve served their state and country.”

Long-time Montevideo community member and World War II Veteran William Homan, who served in the Army Air Corp, was the very first resident at the Montevideo home. “I made many, many trips to the State Capitol, helping people understand the need,” said Mr. Homan. “I can’t tell you what an honor it is to be the first Veteran to move in. This will really benefit Montevideo and the area for a long time.”

The home came to fruition after more than a decade of advocacy and planning and two years of construction. “Our residents are excited to come through our doors today,” said Home Administrator Ashley Bormann. “The facility is absolutely beautiful, and our team members are thrilled to be now working on site. This is really a meaningful day for our community and all of southeastern Minnesota.”

During the next few weeks, the home will continue to admit new residents up to a total of 24. The home must then successfully complete a recognition survey from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Federal VA). The survey is expected to take place later this spring.

Once that federal VA survey is completed, the home will continue to admit additional residents and hire the remaining staff required to care for a full facility. The home will also be pursuing its certification with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the first year of operation. Minnesota Veterans Homes are surveyed by both MDH/CMS and the federal VA and MDVA leaders look forward to achieving certification from both regulatory agencies.

“MDVA is honored to open the second of three new Veterans Homes across the state this month,” said MDVA Commissioner Brad Lindsay. “As our 294,000 Minnesota Veterans age, it is more important than ever that we can care for them in their final years.”

While the Montevideo Veterans Home has hired most staff needed for the first month of operation, additional employees will be needed as more residents are admitted.

To learn about employment opportunities, visit MinnesotaVeteran.org/Careers .

“The support from the community is absolutely amazing,” said Cindy Wilkens, Public Affairs Coordinator. “Montevideo and surrounding communities have been so supportive. We couldn’t have done this project without their support. It’s an awesome thing to see come together.”

Groundbreaking for the Montevideo Veterans Home took place in August 2021 for the 72-bed skilled nursing facility, located at 2190 William Ave. Allresidential units include private baths and are split into two sections and four “neighborhoods” of 18 residents each, avoiding long hallways.

To be accepted for admission, residents must be:

• Discharged under honorable conditions from any branch of the U.S. armed forces and a current resident of Minnesota, who served 181 consecutive days on active duty, unless discharged earlier because of disability incurred in the line of duty.
• The spouse of an eligible Veteran who is at least 55 years old and meets residency requirements.
• Able to demonstrate a medical or clinical need for skilled nursing care.

County Veterans Service Officers are available to assist future residents with the admission application process. Admissions inquiries can also be emailed toNewHomesAdmissions@state.mn.us.

Administrator Bormann noted that a formal, large dedication event is planned for late spring, In the meantime, small group tours are being provided as requested. To schedule a tour, contact Public Affairs Coordinator Cindy Wilkens at cindy.wilkens@state.mn.us or 320-435-4744.

For more information, visit the MDVA website at MinnesotaVeteran.org/Homes .