Collie Washington Veterans’ Home Opens in South Sacramento

By Robert J. Hansen | OBSERVER Staff WriterCollie Washington moved to Sacramento from Baton Rouge at 17, and two years later, was drafted into the Vietnam War.& Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen, the daughter of Vietnamese refugees who fled the war by boat, expressed deep gratitude to Washington, acknowledging that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the courage of veterans like him.On Nov. 2, just nine days before Veterans Day, the Collie Washington Veterans’ Home celebrated its grand opening in South Sacramento. The event honored Washington’s service and his commitment to supporting fellow veterans who have been left homeless.Washington’s daughter, Reshema Washington, donated the house and worked with friends and family to furnish and renovate a five-bedroom home that can accommodate up to seven veterans. Her goal is to open more veterans homes across California.“My greatest desire is to help veterans live safely in affordable and comfortable living spaces that are beautiful and feel like home,” Reshema Washington said.Her passion for assisting veterans intensified this year when she discovered how few resources and housing options were available for homeless veterans and the long wait times for the completion of housing projects.“They didn’t die at war, but they’re going to die...