Although many veterans own medals and first class uniforms some don't even have a place to stay at night.

Studies show thousands of veterans are homeless, including many in South Bend.

A new building is in the works that will house homeless vets only in South Bend. Leaders plan to have the facility open by next spring. It's going to be a small building set aside solely for homeless veterans and their special needs.

The building will be next the Center for the Homeless on Michigan Street. The project was started by veteran and former Judge Robert Miller Senior.

“I'm just going to try to help those people who now have their self-respect back and hope back and if I can do that… oh that's that huge. Because to these people their self respect and hope is more valuable to them than your money is to you,” says Miller.

Miller heard about the problem and bought the empty building and will donate it to the Center.

Miller’s granddaughter, Amanda Miller, works at the Center for the Homeless and told him about the growing homeless veteran population. Miller decided he wanted to help out.

He also started a group called "Miller's Vets." It’s a drill team of homeless vets that marches at events. Miller wanted to instill discipline and self-esteem back into the veterans lives.

“He saved my life, he really did. It’s that serious that he saved my life. Without him and Millers Vets I probably would be dead now cause I really was on the road to destruction,” says veteran Danny Forrest staying at the Center for the Homeless.

The new shelter will house about 30 people men and women. Renovations are being done right now by volunteers. Miller is also actively seeking donations. It is estimated the shelter will cost around 100 to 150 thousand dollars.