First 5 Veterans Welcomed Home
october 12, 2023
Veterans Community Project (VCP) of St. Louis officially opened its village on October 5th as five military veterans received the keys to their own tiny homes.
Aimed at combatting veteran homelessness, VCP Village is a specialized community in the heart of the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood that provides transitional homes and comprehensive support services, free of charge.
“All of our lives changed the minute those veterans walked through the doors,” said Rebecca Tallman, Executive Director. “Our construction site is now a neighborhood. The veterans began building their own community almost immediately. Watching them exchange phone numbers and checking in on our oldest resident has been amazing. They’re battle buddies.”
According to staff, the move-ins were as emotional for them as they were for the new residents. One Army veteran told his case manager, “I feel like I won the jackpot, I am so grateful for what VCP is doing for me.”
A Navy veteran added, “There is something magical about this, I am excited to be a part of it. Some people talk about supporting you, but VCP has shown by their actions instead of just words”.
Thanks to community donations, each tiny home is fully furnished with new furniture, household goods, a stocked refrigerator, and even an American flag for the front porch. VCP staff and volunteers included a few special touches, such as a dog bed for the village’s first canine resident, personalized wall art, and military branch-specific garden flags, to ensure the veterans’ homes felt like their own.
“I can’t believe all this is mine,” said one veteran as he wiped his eyes.
VCP case managers provide wrap-around support services and help each veteran identify short and long-term goals around health and wellness, employment, income stability, and even budgeting. Based on VCP’s flagship model in Kansas City, MO, the average length of stay in VCP Village is approximately 14 months before a veteran transitions to their own permanent housing.
“A key part of our success is making sure each veteran has the emotional space needed to focus on things other than basic survival,” says Ryan Krzyzkowski, Director of Veterans Services. “Giving them privacy and a sense of security is really important right now. We ask the public to refrain from driving or walking through the village without an appointment.”
Once complete, VCP village will include 40 single-occupant homes at 240 square feet, and 10 family units at 340 square feet. Currently, 20 houses are enclosed, and in different phases of completion. Construction is scheduled to continue through the end of the year.
“These first five residents have already set the tone for the rest of the village. Veterans helping veterans is what this project is all about.” said Tallman.
The first Veteran moves into VCP Village with help of VCP co-founder and fellow Army Veteran, Vincent Morales.
