When the Veterans Community Project set out to build a tiny house village for homeless veterans, their goal was about much more than just giving them a place to live in Kansas City. It is also about giving these veterans of all ages and stations in a life a way to make their lives truly matter through job training, drug rehab and so much more. While it may be a minor solution to a growing need, it is certainly the right start for the area.
The Program Was Started by Veterans
According to CNN, the tiny house village for homeless veterans was started by veterans who hoped to help those in similar circumstances. We discovered that US Army Corporal Chris Stout came up with the original idea for this project and worked with other veterans in the area who had dealt with homelessness themselves. Aware of what their comrades were going through, they wanted to create a visible way to help.
The founders had to use their own money and their own time to make the program succeed, quitting their jobs and investing their savings. They did not want a program that was similar to the homeless shelters already available. Instead, they wanted something far different that would give veterans real solutions.
The Program Helps Veterans Rebuild Their Lives
The Veterans Village does not just provide a place for these retired warriors to live, but also gives them ways to succeed for the rest of their lives. Veterans living here are given training for future jobs as well as medical appointments, counseling and drug rehab as needed.
The goal for the program is to help veterans become mentally strong and physically healthy and to give them the resources to acquire good jobs to support the rest of their lives. Veterans can live here for as long as one year if they follow the rules. There are certainly rules, such as requirements for attending drug rehab programs and a strict no-alcohol policy for all.
The Program Has Attracted Plenty of Support
Not all has been perfect at the tiny house village for homeless veterans. Because of its popularity among residents and within the city, the village has attracted much support as well as publicity. However, this has not been all good. Sadly, privacy has become an issue here, and signs are posted to keep unnecessary visitors away from the area.
The Program Is Not Complete Yet
According to Kansas City’s 41 Action News, work is not yet complete at the village. At the end of 2018, there were 26 homes, and Fox 4 News reports that Chris Stout plans to open even more homes this year once they can begin building in the spring.