The Veterans Community Project in Kansas City is taking serious steps to improve the lives of America's war heroes. Thanks to generous donations from community members, they've built the Veterans Village, a collection of small houses that homeless veterans can live in for free.
The village includes 50 individual homes, each one about the size of a studio apartment. Occupants are provided with food and necessities, as well as a sense of privacy, security, and stability. A nearby community centre, still under construction, will host classes and counseling aimed at helping veterans readjust to their lives and cope with trauma.
The VCP is made up of self-described "veterans helping veterans", and has spearheaded many projects combatting homelessness and neglect in veteran communities. Though not the first of its kind in the US, the concept of 'tiny homes' does make the Veterans Village a unique and economically smart place of refuge.
More info: Veterans Community Project
This tiny home is one of 50 that make up Veterans Village, a new housing project in Kansas City
Image credits: Veterans Community Project
Homeless veterans can live here completely free, and stay as long as they need to
Image credits: Meghan Baker
The houses were built by Veterans Community Project, a local non-profit organisation
Image credits: Veterans Community Project
Each house is about the size of a studio apartment, containing a full kitchen and bathroom
Image credits: FRANK MORRIS
They also come stocked with food and necessities, which veterans can have replenished as needed
Image credits: Veterans Community Project
The village's community atmosphere will help veterans feel less isolated
Image credits: Veterans Community Project
By receiving proper care and socialisation, they can readjust to life after service and cope with trauma
Image credits: FRANK MORRIS
Having their own space will give them a sense of privacy, security, and comfort, just like a real home
Image credits: FRANK MORRIS
The project was funded by generous donations to the VCP from various organisations
Image credits: Veterans Community Project
Each tiny house costs about $10,000 to produce, making the village space- and cost-effective
Image credits: Veterans Community Project
A similar village was constructed in 2013 in Olympia, Washington, for homeless community members
Image credits: Leah Nash