122 Beds: Boise Veterans Home Sets 2028 Move-In Date
Construction on the expanded facility has reached the first-floor concrete phase as officials confirm the new building will triple current capacity.
By Justin Brooks ·
The Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise will house 122 residents once construction is complete, a substantial increase from the current population of roughly 80. Home administrator Rick Holloway confirmed that the target date for moving into the new facility is August 2028.
Construction crews are currently pouring the concrete walls for the first floor. Holloway stated that the entire foundation and floor are finished. Steel girders are being installed to support the second level. This expansion follows a period of demolition on the existing site earlier this year.
Veterans Day observances took place at the home on Wednesday, November 11. Bill Piper, a Navy veteran who served from 1963 to 1967, attended the event. Piper spent much of his military career in Southeast Asia. He said the day represents the country acknowledging those who protected it. “That’s what it means to me. We’re being acknowledged,” Piper said.
The celebration also honored local volunteers who support the facility. London Talbot, a resident of Meridian, received recognition for recruiting help via social media when the home’s canteen faced potential closure. Talbot’s grandfather served as a medivac pilot in Vietnam. “I feel like the least we can do is give back to the veterans,” Talbot said. “And give some of our time to people who.. risked it all for us.”
Holloway noted that approximately 300 volunteers currently assist the facility. Their duties range from visiting residents and helping with activities to operating the canteen. Residents are already selecting their rooms in the new building. The new structure will provide private rooms and bathrooms for every resident, a change from the current shared arrangements.
Once the new building is occupied, the existing Veterans Home building will be demolished. The site will be converted into a parking lot. The facility relies on these volunteers for one-on-one visits, dining assistance, gardening, and special events.
The Boise Veterans Home volunteer program is accepting new members. Interested individuals can contact the program at 208-780-1700 or email BVHVolunteer@veterans.idaho.gov.
