This article was originally published September 2017
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Homelessness is a huge issue amongst our country's veterans, and one organization in Kansas City, Mo. is coming together in a very creative way to help solve this problem. Veterans Community Project (VCP) is a nonprofit that is building a neighborhood of tiny homes for veterans in need.
The organization was started by Chris Stout, Kevin Jamison and Mark Solomon. Their goal is to better connect veterans to services and needs. Their mission is, "we stand with you and for you, our brothers and sisters in arms. Anytime, anyplace, in order to meet any need."
Get to know these inspiring founders, who are veterans themselves, in this video.
According to the group's official website, the ultimate goal is to take veterans off the streets. Then, hand them the keys to their own tiny home. Furthermore, these homes will provide access to food, a shower, electricity and a bed. These tiny houses are meant for those who cannot qualify for typical veteran housing programs.
Although the homes are small, only 20 feet long, they can make a huge difference in someone's life. "We want to give them something they can stay in, call it their own and then socialize and re-integrate at their own pace," Jamison told Fox News.
KansasCity.com reports that VCP has purchased a plot of land, Veterans Village, and begun building the tiny houses, which cost about $10,000 each. The group aims to have 50 houses completed by winter of 2017. Take a look at some of the progress thus far in the photos below.
VCP wants to also care for veterans' mental health and hopes to have on-site counseling available. The goal is that their residents will eventually transition to their own permanent housing.
To stay up to date on the VCP's progress, visit their Facebook page.
