A Vision for Veterans
Niki Falzone, executive director of Platoon 22.
Platoon 22 organization rebuilt a historic house to provide space for veterans re-entering mainstream society
By Rebecca Chaney
The saying, “It takes a village,” often refers to people in a community helping children. The phrase also means the collective effort and community support of specific projects and that’s exactly the case for the Mulberry Housing Project and Platoon 22.
Platoon 22 is a nonprofit organization committed to combating the veteran suicide epidemic and supporting veterans in their transition to civilian life. The organization was founded in 2014 and is based in Frederick but serves veterans throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and surrounding areas.
Niki Falzone, executive director, credits community support, volunteers, and an impressive collaborative effort for the completion of the Mulberry Housing Project. She recalled the original idea grew from numerous conversations throughout the community and seeing a need.
“Our financial assistance program was flooded with requests to avoid eviction, keep homes, etc.,” she says. “In 2024 we awarded more than $50,000 and most of that was housing related.”
This was a small answer to the housing problem, according to Falzone. “There was a recognized need for affordable housing for veterans, especially once they leave inpatient programs, and the concept gained momentum with support from the local coordinators for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH),” she says.
Before and after images of the entry way of the Mulberry Housing Project for veterans.
An opportunity presented itself with the right property in 2023. “We used past reserves to push forward with the project.” Falzone says. “We used funding we had set aside for 2025 financial assistance programming.”
Platoon 22 closed on the property in November 2023 and renovation efforts began. “The first tenant (veteran) moved into the house in August 2024,” she says. The Mulberry House now features six independent one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments. All six units are currently occupied by veterans.
Once the property was purchased, it was no small undertaking to get the renovation completed. Originally built in the 1920s, the historic home in Washington County needed major renovation.
“Most of the building was taken down to the studs,” Falzone says. “We replaced all flooring, added mini-Split HVAC units, new plumbing with the addition of a washer and dryer, plus new bathrooms. There is not much that is original. I led the project as far as design and timeline, but Bernie Hobbs was the boots on the ground executing the vision.”
Hobbs, a veteran himself, spent nearly 40 years working in different branches of the military and the Maryland Army National Guard. The decorated veteran joined different VFW posts and continued to serve his country as a volunteer.
The Keymar resident remembered stopping in at the Veteran’s Support Council (VSC) in Frederick when they started the free breakfast for veteran’s program.
“I found out about the house renovation project and offered to help for a couple of days, which turned into months,” he says.
As Hobbs continued to help the first project manager, it became very evident that the hired project manager was not experienced with the renovation of historic homes.
“That’s when I took over the demolition and framing, as well as coordinating contractors and finding free or cheap materials,” Hobbs says. “I also got donations from organizations like the VFW, American Legion and the Rob Seidel Foundation.”
Hobbs has been building homes his entire life.
“I had my own business doing home improvements and renovating old homes,” he says. “The Lord has given me a talent, and I feel it is only right to give back. As a sergeant major my job was to make sure soldiers were taken care of, and now I feel I have a duty to help veterans to get what they have earned. It was such a fulfillment to help veterans and soldiers again and it made me feel very needed. It was very emotional.”
“Currently, the home provides housing for six veterans who now have a safe, supportive environment where they can heal and thrive,” she says. “The project was a collaborative effort, with Platoon 22 overseeing the initiative and local partners and volunteers like Bernie making it possible.”
With Hobbs’ decades of experience in construction and renovation, coupled with his many contacts in the building industry, he was able to source reliable electrical, plumbing and other services, often at a discount.
Falzone said the historic home was fully gutted and restored with the purpose of providing stable, independent living for veterans—many of whom were previously homeless and struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges.
“This housing is more than a roof over their heads. It’s a foundational step in helping them break the cycle of crisis and reclaim autonomy in their lives,” she says.
But the big question is, do the veterans like their new home? The answer, a resounding yes, by the Mulberry Project residents.
“At Platoon 22, I found more than a roof. I found purpose, dignity, and the tools to rebuild,” says D. Smith, a Navy Veteran. “Every care package and clean space reminds me I’m no longer forgotten.”
Afghanistan Marine Corps Veteran J. Cotto said it was a true blessing to move into the newly renovated house.
“To have a roof over my head and a place to call home is a huge hurdle for me,” he says.
“Four of the veterans were living in their cars before, so having a place to call their own has created a sense of self-worth and direction,” Falzone says. “Stable housing was the first step in addressing their mental health and wellness. Platoon is more than a landlord. We offer check-ins and invite them out to community events.”
“We have some with no conflict and half with combat tours in the Middle East. We have provided financial literacy, tax prep, transportation, and so much more to the guys living there,” Falzone says.
There are an estimated 22 veterans lost to suicide daily, Platoon 22 was founded to bring awareness, education, and prevention to this statistic. At Platoon 22, the mission is to end veteran suicide through the successful reintegration of service members and their families by assembling critical resources, providing peer support, and developing transitional programs.
How You Can Help
The Mulberry Housing Project was just one initiative by Platoon 22 to support local Veterans. For more information about Platoon 22, visit platoon22.org, email them at info@platoon22.org or call them at 240-651-8899.