Valor House Veterans Home owners transforming space into new facility

By Toni Miles

Work and renovations are well underway at The Valor House Veterans Home located at 305 Church Avenue in Long Beach. The assisted care living facility for veterans is slated to be open in fall of this year. (Photo credit: Toni Miles)

Some served on the front lines in battle, others served food to those lined up in the chow hall, and some served the country in an office processing records and pay. Different roles, but all veterans have played a vital role in the United States military, ensuring the freedoms Americans all enjoy today.

Now, a facility is being built to provide support and living quarters for veterans in the Mississippi Coast area. Work is well underway at The Valor House Veterans Home, an assisted living facility located at 305 Church Avenue, just south of War Memorial Park in Long Beach.

The facility is now being built, renovated and rebranded under new ownership and will be housed in the same building that previously housed the Equal Steps Veterans Home, which was shut down in October of 2025. The property came under new ownership in December of 2025 with the new owners, Robbie and Lisa Dillon, announcing plans to completely transform the building and rebrand the facility as The Valor House Veterans Home.

“We’re originally from McComb, Mississippi, and recently made the move to the Gulf Coast because we saw an opportunity to build something meaningful in a strong, growing community like Long Beach,” Robbie Dillon says.

And the Dillons are all in – not only did they move to Long Beach, the couple purchased and now live in a house that sits right across the street from The Valor House Veterans Home.

“Lisa is a longtime real estate professional, and the move also allowed her to plug into the coastal market and help families during major life transitions,” Dillon says. “The Valor House came from recognizing a gap in senior care. Too many facilities feel clinical or impersonal. We wanted to create something that feels like home—while still delivering high-quality care—and Long Beach felt like the perfect place to do that.”

Robbie Dillon’s background and career experience is also a driving force behind this project and their move.

“I have deep family ties to the military and a strong respect for those who have served,” Dillon says. “I’m also a former law enforcement officer, which has shaped my commitment to service and community. That background is a big part of what drives the mission behind The Valor House.”

The Dillons intend for The Valor House to serve as a high-quality assisted living facility for veterans with a renewed focus on dignity, care and community trust.

Since the Dillons took over late last year, a lot of sweat equity has gone into the project. For months, crews have been seen at the Church Avenue site, cleaning out the building, giving it a complete overhaul and renovation.

“Construction is moving along well, and we’re excited about how it’s coming together,” Dillon says. “The home will feature private and semi-private rooms, a comfortable, high-end design, and shared spaces, like our Stars & Stripes Café, which will be open to the public to enjoy coffee and visit with the veterans, along with ADA-accessible upgrades throughout. Services will include 24/7 care, assistance with daily living, medication management, home-style meals and daily activities—all designed to balance comfort and quality care.”

While the amenities and services are impressive, The Valor House is more than just a project to the Dillons.

“This is more than a business to us—it’s a mission,” Dillon says. “Veterans deserve a place that reflects the dignity and respect they’ve earned. The Valor House will provide a safe, high-quality, home-like environment while giving families peace of mind. It also keeps local families from having to send loved ones out of town for care and brings jobs and investment into the community. Through the Valor Foundation, led by Lisa, we also plan to support veterans who may need assistance accessing care.”

The Valor House is tentatively scheduled to be open in August of this year, and, if visible progress at the site is any indication, everything should be right on track.

As for the Dillons, they’re enjoying the view literally from their own front porch and have had no problem making themselves at home in the Friendly City.

“We love it. Long Beach has been very welcoming, and it truly feels like a community,” Dillon said. “Living right across from the facility shows how committed we are—we’re hands-on and involved every day. Lisa has also enjoyed getting connected locally through her real estate work, helping families who may be transitioning loved ones into care. The feedback so far has been very positive, especially from people excited to see a veteran-focused home coming to the area.”

And the Dillons say they are looking forward to meeting their new neighbors come fall.

“We hope The Valor House becomes a trusted place in the community and sets a higher standard for care,” Dillon says. “Long-term, we want to continue investing in Long Beach, expand services, and grow our impact through both the home and the Valor Foundation.”

“We’re building The Valor House with intention—every detail is designed to create a better experience for residents and families. We’re grateful for the support from the Long Beach community and excited to serve those who have served us.”