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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

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    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

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    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

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    Image credits: FRANK MORRIS

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    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

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    Image credits: Leah Nash

    Here’s a brief history of the KCP’s Veterans Village, and some footage of its construction: