Tiny homes are transforming how people live across the United States.
But it’s not just about people who want to downsize their life, there is a new push to use these tiny abodes to make the biggest difference in the lives of others.
And that is just what Veterans Community Project and Operation Tiny Home aim to do – one small house at a time.
When Jason Kander, the former Missouri Secretary of State, toured the Veterans Community Project, he was stunned. The project created village homes that were 280-square-feet, and would allow veterans without homes, to have a place that would be transitional with the aim of finding them permanent housing. The goal is to help the veterans feel safe in their environment.
“It really replicates base housing… It’s a great transitional environment,” Kander said. For veterans dealing with anxiety and PTSD, these tiny houses offer a safe and comfortable space, he said.
With a tiny house, you can do a perimeter check. It makes them feel safe, and it makes them feel comfortable”
Both the Veterans Community Project and Operation Tiny Home were founded by individuals with a deep commitment to supporting veterans in need.
Tiny homes in the village for veterans each have an American flag placed on the front. Photo by Veterans Community Project
The Veterans Community Project was established in the summer of 2016 by three combat veterans – Bryan Meyer, Mark Solomon, and Brandonn Mixon. All three founders were living in Kansas City and working independently with homeless veterans before coming together to create the organization. Their vision was to provide more than just temporary housing for veterans; they wanted to offer a holistic approach that addresses the mental, physical, and social needs of veterans during their transition to stable, civilian lives.
Operation Tiny Home, on the other hand, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing housing for “at-risk” individuals, including veterans. The organization has been instrumental in constructing numerous tiny home villages across the country. Zack Giffin, spokesperson for Operation Tiny Home and host of the “Tiny House Nation” television series, has been actively involved in advocating for the tiny home movement as a viable solution to the housing crisis, especially for veterans facing homelessness.
Navy veteran Ida, who struggles with PTSD, couldn’t give enough praise to the project for helping her find a home. “It’s a dream come true…a place where I can finally feel safe and at peace.” With a grant from Operation Tiny Home, she was able to turn her dream of homeownership into a reality. Her tiny home not only provides shelter but also serves as a sanctuary where she can rebuild her life and heal from the scars of war.
And for John, a former Marine Corps sergeant, his tiny home gave him a security he’d been seeking for years while homeless.
“This place saved my life… They gave me more than just a roof over my head; they gave me a support system that I never had before.”
The village also offers services and support to help veterans in their recovery. Many of the veterans were struggling with money problems, health issues and more.
These veterans, along with the program organizers, have been pushing for a nationwide expansion of the program. The House is currently considering the HAVENS Act, which would bring more tiny homes to veterans in need, as well as helping to fund the projects.
The tiny home movement is proving that sometimes, the most significant solutions come in the smallest packages. Through these tiny homes, veterans are finding not only a roof over their heads but also a path towards a brighter, more hopeful future. With the ongoing commitment of communities and lawmakers alike, this movement has the potential to transform the lives of even more veterans, offering them the chance to reclaim their lives and thrive once again.
Watch below for a look at this wonderful project for our amazing veterans.
Sources: People | Greater Good | Business Insider
