A long-empty asphalt lot that last housed a service station will be transformed into Orange County’s largest complex dedicated to providing a home to those who served their country in the military.

With 75 permanent supportive housing units exclusively for ex-service members, Santa Ana Veterans Village on west First Street near Harbor Boulevard was hailed at a ceremonial groundbreaking on Monday, Jan. 7, as a big step toward a goal of ending homelessness among the county’s military veterans.