A non-profit organisation in the United States, The Veterans Community Project (VCP), is tackling the scourge of veteran homelessness and has built 49 tiny homes to house veterans who would otherwise find themselves without shelter. The village of tiny homes is based in Kansas City, Missouri.
The organisation, started by Chris Stout, an army veteran; Kevin Jamison, a marine veteran; and Mark Solomon, a navy reservist, realised that building the tiny homes was the most economical way to help those who had served the United States via the military.
Every year thousands of veterans find themselves homeless after serving their country, often suffering from family breakdown, alcohol and drug abuse, mental-health problems such as PTSD, or simply in troubled times due to being unable to readjust to civilian life after spending so long within the military regime. Veterans make up a huge number of the homeless population in the US.
Each of the homes is between 240 and 320 square feet but has all amenities such as a bathroom and kitchen within the home itself. Veterans also have the choice to move out at any point and make the home available to any new veteran that needs it.
They are also allowed to bring their dogs and cats on-site, meaning they never have to give up their pets in order to stay in the village.
The organisation doesn't make a single penny of profit and the homes themselves were built mostly by volunteers who were willing to give up their time and donate their skills and labour to building a better future for others.
Wes Williams, the director of veteran's services at VCP, says:
"This isn't just an opportunity to get a couple of months and then you're back in an apartment or something like that. This is really an opportunity for you to take a deep breath, exhale, and learn how to dream again."
Among other great work done by the VCP is the offer of help and support for veterans to reskill, navigate the complex US benefit system, and help find jobs for the de-mobbed.
One veteran who lives in the village told reporters:
"I've never had anyone do anything for me. I've always been the one to do for my family and my friends – but this is incredible…Now how blessed can you be in this life?"
[h/t: My Positive Outlooks]
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