SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- City, county and state leaders on Thursday celebrated what they called a major victory in the effort to combat homelessness — the grand opening of Pacific Village, a former motel that has been transformed into permanent housing for unhoused residents.

The project converted a once-vacant Ramada Inn into 62 fully remodeled apartments, including 15 units set aside for homeless veterans.

For residents like 67-year-old Navy veteran Tod Heath, the new space means more than just a roof over his head.

“Having my own set of keys is such a big deal,” Heath said. “Not everybody out there is breaking into cars or doing crimes. They’re just struggling to survive.”

The property previously served as an emergency shelter for residents displaced by flooding early last year, Sa

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