OCALA, Fla. — While it is no secret that homelessness is on the rise, in Marion County, many say they are seeing more veterans on the street than ever before.

That is a cause for concern, said Dolly Locklear, the program manager at Ocala Ritz Veterans Village — a transitional housing program in Ocala operated by the nonprofit Volunteers of America Florida.

“Homeless veterans in the area has doubled, maybe even tripled, but the thing I see most, I have been doing this for 18 years and the thing that I see coming around now is seeing more and more homeless veterans that are seniors guys that are in their 60s, 70s and 80s who, because of the increase in rent are able to keep their housing, they wind up getting evicted, having to leave because they can’t pay it,” Locklear said.

With the nonprofit focusing on spending funds to help veterans get the help they need, upkeep of the property is not the top priority. However, two organizations are teaming up to give those who served a beautiful place to get back on their feet.

The apartment at Ocala Ritz Veterans Village means the world to 61-year-old Navy veteran Randy Hand.

“I can put some of my personal items up, make me feel a little bit more homey, it’s a big step for us,” said Hand.

It’s the first time he’s had a home in years, after dealing with a medical issue.

“Think about how easy for you or a loved one or a family member to get in the same position,” said Hand. “For me, it was overnight, and I wasted a decade just trying to struggle my way out of it.”

He finally decided to reach out for help and recently moved into the Ocala Ritz Veterans Village, which provides clinical treatment, transitional housing, and case management services to 50 homeless veterans.

“The shelter I have here is probably the best I have in 11 years since I have been dealing with my situation, and I am happy to be here,” said Hand.

So happy, in fact, that he is helping volunteers who have dedicated their time to make the facility a beautiful place to live for veterans like himself.

Volunteers of America of Florida has enlisted more than 70 volunteers from the Home Depot Foundation to spruce up the grounds and facility. For Home Depot District Manager Brett Stephens, it is about more than just doing some landscaping.

“We are putting up some fence panels today, kind of beautifying the area for the veterans home here,” said Stephens.

He said their work is a way to honor those who sacrificed for their country and could now use some help in return.

“Giving them a place to be able to feel good about where they are at, staying,” said Stephens. “It’s just proud to be a part of the community and for them to be able to come out and enjoy, you know, I am certainly happy I know my team is very proud to be a part of it.”

Seeing all the volunteers was overwhelming for Hand, who said it is a big reminder to him about the generosity of the community.

“I appreciate it, and I hope everybody understands that we all appreciate it, you know?" he said. "And anything that will help out with homelessness is one positive thing."

While standing in his apartment and gazing out at the work being done, Hand said being there helps him to look to a positive future.

“It’s incredible,” he said. “It gives a person hope. You know that is probably what is needed most, hope.”

For those who want to assist Volunteers of America Florida as they run the Ocala Ritz Veterans Village, donations can be made at the facility — located at 111 NE 12th Ave. in Ocala — Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., or on the organization's website.

The organization accepts everything from food, to toiletries and clothing. Anyone looking for more information on the group, or who may be interested in volunteering, can call Locklear at 352-562-7872.