First veterans move into tiny-home village

Three military veterans have taken their first steps away from homelessness, moving into the new Sioux Falls Veterans Community Project.

The initial residents moved in late last month, VCP announced today.

“A lot of tears were shed,” executive director Eric Gage said in a statement. “These are their first actual homes in many years, something that isn’t a vehicle, a motel, an overcrowded shelter or the streets.”

Thanks to community donations, each home is fully furnished with everything the veteran needs, from new furniture and household goods to a stocked refrigerator and an American flag hanging over the front porch.

The mission of VPC is to create a specialized community of tiny homes aimed at providing sanctuary and emotional space needed for each veterans to address his or her underlying cause of homelessness.

For move-in day, volunteers and staff added a few special touches to make each veteran feel at home, such as their favorite snacks, handwritten notes from the community and a painting.

One resident was overcome by seeing his own set of utensils, VCP reported. Another stood speechless before finally saying, “This is more than I could ever imagine.”

As the veterans settle in, VCP case managers will provide wraparound support services and help each resident identify short- and long-term goals. Based on VCP’s flagship model in Kansas City, Missouri, the average length of stay in a VCP Village is 14 months before veterans transition to their own permanent housing.

“We work at the veteran’s pace,” said Laura Nostvick, director of veterans services. “Right now, we’re focused on helping them acclimate and feel safe in the village. While we appreciate the support, we ask the community to refrain from driving through the village or visiting without an appointment.”

Once construction is completed, the VCP village will include 15 single-occupant homes at 240 square feet and 10 family units at 340 square feet.

“These three individuals have gone through more than any of us can imagine but are continuing to fight tooth and nail to achieve things that just a couple weeks ago they didn’t think were possible,” Gage said. “We are so grateful to be a part of their journey.”