An Operation Safe House. (Photo courtesy opsafehaven.com)
Submitted by DOUG OTTO
Ocean City’s Squadron 524 Sons of the American Legion is helping give new life to a once vacant campground on Delsea Drive in Franklinville by donating funds to Operation Safe Haven, which builds “micro-houses” for homeless vets.
Pastor Donnie Davis of Amazing Grace Ministries in Williamstown purchased the 277-acre property, including a 65-acre lake, and is building the homes for vets suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome, or PTSD.
The project is personal for Davis, who worked as an honor guard at funerals for fallen service members during his time in the Air Force, and later as a police officer in Maryland. He was diagnosed with Complex PTSD and has struggled, not always knowing where to turn for help.
“It’s one thing to say, ‘Have a good day,’ and pat these vets on the back, but there are 220 guys I know in South Jersey who need a place to stay because they’re homeless,” Davis said.
An Operation Safe House. (Photo courtesy opsafehaven.com)
Each Operation Safe Haven micro-house has a living room, bedroom, full bathroom and kitchenette, all in 300 square feet. The structures come complete with new furnishings, bedding, kitchen supplies and other gear — all offered at no charge to the veteran.
To date, The Operation Safe Haven team has built four micro-houses, with a fifth in process. 
American Legion Post 524 is located at 45th Street and West Avenue in Ocean City
