War Vets Get Their Own Tiny Village to Live in Free of Cost by The City’s Veteran Community Project
It’s well-known that returning from the battlefield may be a difficult time for veterans. Whether it’s finding and keeping a job, getting medical care, or securing a place to live, veterans face a slew of challenges. However, a Kansas City, Missouri-based non-profit has chosen to take action, coming up with way to help their war vets in goodwill and appreciation of their contribution in always protecting and keeping the country safe. They came up with the idea called “Veterans Community Project”, to provide for the welfare of veterans in need.
1The non-profit funded the construction of a mini-city within a city to house war vets
49 small cottages were built in just a couple of blocks in Kansas City, providing free lodging for any veteran in need of a place to live. There are only about 240 to 320 square feet in each house, so they are quite modest in size. However, they all comply with local zoning regulations and include all necessary services. Having a place to call home again after a period of homelessness is a huge relief for those who have served in the military.
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2Each veteran gets their own house to live in, but they are still part of a larger community that is always there for them
All the mini-houses are equipped with the basic necessary amenities. There is a bed, a kitchen, a restroom, and a small living area for each veteran in the facility. The community has everything that is required to make a person feel at home. A huge perk of this service is that when a veteran is ready to leave, they may take all of their appliances with them. Every time a new veteran moves in, the house is completely redone and refurnished with all new appliances.
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3Residents are even allowed to keep their pets
Residents can bring their pets to live with them as a way of bringing the community together. There are many pups to cuddle because many veterans own dogs. Veterans Community Project’s creators attribute the dogs’ presence to the development of an even stronger sense of belonging and camaraderie.
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4Without the aid of volunteers and a community dedicated to bettering the lives of all, none of this would have been possible
It took a lot of people to build this small town. Volunteers created 70 percent of the city, according to estimates from the Veterans Community Project. In addition, the non-profit that established the city offers case manager training in order to assist returning servicemen and women in achieving their full potential. For example, case managers help veterans with financial literacy, health and wellness, building a personal support network and finding a job. Many soldiers return from their tours of duty with little to no support structure, and this has a profound effect on people.
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