On Wednesday, the Escondido-based nonprofit group Interfaith Community Services plans to hold a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for a facility that would serve homeless veterans recuperating from hospital stays.

As currently envisioned, the 10,000-square-foot Veteran and Family Resource Center also would provide expanded support for homeless and low-income families in North County.

The structure — a former medical office building on North Ash Street — will be renovated to house 20 beds for recuperating veterans, 12 beds for other recuperating patients, and space for intake of those in need of the group’s various services.

Officials for Interfaith Community Services said the overhauled building is intended to become one of five postoperative centers nationally that are certified with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

It also would have the status of being the first such center for female homeless veterans, the organization said.

Interfaith Community Services is trying to raise $2.75 million to complete the renovations.

The group began in 1979 with a shared goal among several faith communities to help those in need. Today, its more than 130 staff members serve more than 19,000 people a year who are experiencing some combination of being hungry, homeless and low-income.

Its menu of assistance includes nutrition support, social services, shelters and other housing, shower and laundry facilities, employment help, youth programs such as a college-oriented mentoring academy, senior services, veterans programs and addiction-recovery support.

For more information or to donate to the Veteran and Family Resource Center project, go to interfaithservices.org.