RS&H Collaborates With Aspire Health Partners on Veterans Housing Project to Address Homelessness in Central Florida

[Orlando, Fla.] National, employee-owned architecture, engineering, and consulting firm, RS&H, has joined forces with Aspire Health Partners to develop the Veterans Housing Project, a new transitional housing initiative aimed at combating veteran homelessness in Central Florida. Ground was recently broken on this vital $7 million project, which reflects the organizations’ shared commitment to addressing community needs with innovative, inclusive, and cost-effective design solutions.

Located at Aspire Health Partners’ William Just Campus in Orlando, the project will provide 48 state-of-the-art single-occupancy studio apartments. Each unit, designed to exceed the minimum standards set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), features a private 225-square-foot space, including an ADA-compliant bathroom. These apartments are designed to provide privacy, dignity, and a supportive environment that fosters long-term recovery and self-sufficiency for homeless veterans. 

“We are honored to collaborate with Aspire Health Partners on a project that places people at the center of its design,” said Jeffrey Smith, AIA, Senior Architect at RS&H. “From the beginning, we worked closely to develop a facility that not only meets but exceeds client goals, balancing strict budgetary requirements with the high standards of quality necessary to foster healing and independence.” 

Funding for the project is supported by a $3.6 million grant from the VA, combined with $1 million from the State of Florida. This initiative represents a significant step in the VA’s national effort to transition veterans into private living spaces that better support their health and wellness. 

Beyond housing, Aspire ensures that residents will have access to comprehensive, wrap-around services, including healthcare, employment assistance, and community programs, to help them successfully re-enter society. Aspire Health Partners’ President and CEO, Babette Hankey, noted the importance of such integrated support, stating, “Our mission is to provide compassionate, comprehensive care, and this facility underscores that commitment. Healing begins with housing, and we’re proud of the team effort to bring this vision to life.” 

The collaboration between RS&H and Aspire Health Partners reinforces a values-driven approach to community impact. Through resilient and forward-thinking designs, RS&H continues to deliver spaces that enhance quality of life while supporting Aspire’s mission of saving lives and transforming communities. 

With an expected completion date in Spring 2026, this project marks a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to end homelessness among veterans, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to build a new chapter of independence and hope. 

About RS&H

Employee-owned, RS&H is one of the nation’s leading architecture, engineering and consulting firms whose associates work hard every day to create a more connected future where everyone can thrive. We offer an exceptional journey from start to future for clients in the aerospace, aviation, corporate, federal, healthcare and science, and transportation markets. Our integrated teams translate experience into insight, turn challenges into opportunities and build relationships as strong as the buildings and infrastructure we deliver together.