KANSAS CITY (AP) — A group of military veterans hopes to build small homes for struggling and homeless veterans on a vacant piece of land in Kansas City.
The nonprofit Veterans Community Project has set out to construct 50 tiny homes on a four-acre vacant site it purchased from the Kansas City Land Bank, The Kansas City Star reports. The first 240-square-foot house was dedicated Monday morning.
“We identified too many veterans suffering from PTSD and addictions who were going untreated and not doing well in traditional shelters,†Chris Stout, president of Veterans Community Project, said in a news release. “We decided as vets that we had to do something to help.â€
Each house costs about $10,000 to build and equip. The organization is seeking private community donations and is challenging each branch of the military to donate at least one house. United Automobile Workers has agreed to donate basics, such as dishes, linens and toiletries.
Stout, an Army veteran, started the nonprofit along with retired Marine Corps veteran Kevin Jamison, Navy reservist Mark Solomon and others started the nonprofit.
Speakers at the dedication ceremony included Kansas City Mayor Sly James and U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
“The good news is veteran homelessness is declining thanks to programs like this one,†Cleaver said. “The Veterans Community Project not only creates homes for our veterans who have already given so much, but it creates hope and a new beginning.â€