Be part of something special with the Restore the Ritz Capital Campaign – your chance to uplift and improve essential transitional housing for homeless veterans.
Why It Matters
- A Pressing Issue: Did you know over 33,000 veterans find themselves without a home on any given night? These heroes face daunting challenges, from PTSD to unemployment. Let’s change that together.
- The Power of Stability: A roof over one’s head is just the beginning. Transitional housing offers safety, support, and a stepping stone to a brighter future.
Vision for Change
- A Bold Goal: We’re on a mission to raise $3M to enhance the Historical Ocala Ritz for up to 46 veterans at a time, complete with all the amenities and support services they deserve.
- Beyond a Bed: From tailored job training programs to mental health support, we’re creating a nurturing environment that fosters healing, growth, and resilience.
- Building Community Together: Updated spaces for connection, mentorship, and wellness will ensure veterans have a supportive peer network on their journey to stability.
Your Impact
- Skills for Life: By supporting Restore the Ritz, you’re not just providing shelter but also enabling vital personal development for veterans, empowering them for lifelong success.
How You Can Help
- Make a Donation: Every dollar helps us move closer to our goal. Consider a financial contribution to support the renovation and ongoing operations.
- Sponsor a Housing Unit: Provide a veteran with a safe place to stay.
- Corporate Partnerships: Engage your company in our mission and help us make a larger impact.
- Advocate: Help us spread the word; share our vision and mission with your network.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Explore The Ritz’s Rich History
Discover the charming Ritz Historic Inn. This eye-catching building dates back to 1925 and stands as a tribute to the Mission-style architecture that was popular during Florida’s development surge of the 1920s.
The Inn started as the Ritz-Acker Apartments, the creation of Bert Acker and Judge Simeon Sistrunk. Initially, it offered 16 spacious apartments, each one boasting cozy fireplaces, inviting balconies, and airy sun porches for residents to enjoy.
In response to the growing demand for housing during World War II, the building underwent a transformation in 1941. Some of the larger apartments were divided to create more living spaces, and a former community room was redesigned into compact efficiency units.
Throughout the decades, the property has evolved from a residential complex to an esteemed hotel. Today, known as the Ocala Ritz Veterans Village.
This special place has now dedicated itself to supporting homeless veterans, providing crucial services such as case management, help with substance recovery, and employment training initiatives.
Proudly included on the National Register of Historic Places, the Ritz Historic Inn stands as a celebrated monument within the Ocala community, emblematic of the area’s rich architectural past.