BUILDING COMMUNITY.
CHANGING LIVES.
“Before I got to VCP, I was at a standstill. It felt like I had a brick wall in front of me and a brick wall behind me.
They helped remind me who I am. I am not the same person I was when I walked in the door of the tiny house.”
- Karen, Veteran, U.S. Coast Guard VCP Village Alumnus
On a single night in January 2022, volunteers counted 33,129 Veterans experiencing homelessness in the United States. We know tens of thousands more were uncounted: Veterans living in secluded camps, couch surfing, sleeping in cars, and even hiding in plain sight.
Unbelievably, being a Veteran in the United States makes you 50% more likely to become homeless than someone who has never served. Nearly 10% of our country’s Veterans say they’ve experienced homelessness at some point in their adult lives.
The root causes of Veteran homelessness are varied and complex. Key factors include difficulties transitioning from military to civilian life, exposure to traumatic events, and a lack of access to critical healthcare and supportive services. In fact, only half of all Veterans are eligible for or receive care from the Veterans Affairs Healthcare system.
10% Veterans are twice as likely to experience homelessness than non-Veterans.
DID YOU KNOW? 2X
of Veterans reported experiencing homelessness at some point in their adult life.
Homeless shelters and other group-living facilities create more problems than solutions for many veterans. PTSD-related anxiety and concerns about privacy, safety, and security can keep a Veteran in crisis mode, making it hard for them to problem-solve or plan for the future.
Because most housing programs prohibit animals, Veterans with pets face the difficult decision of surrendering their trusted companion for the hope of temporary help. Fear of losing their pet and concerns about their pet’s well-being create even more stress and emotional hardship for a Veteran in distress.
The strict rules, “red tape,” and predetermined schedules inherent in conventional approaches to Veteran homelessness often yield suboptimal results. National studies indicate that merely 20-25% of individuals participating in traditional housing programs manage to regain stability and attain long-lasting success.
Shawn, Veteran, U.S. Army VCP Village Resident
85% DID YOU KNOW?
After working closely with VCP’s case management team, 85% of Village residents successfully transition to their own self-sustainable, permanent housing solution.
Veteran homelessness is a heartbreaking reality. Heroes who once stood tall in uniform now stand alone on our street corners. Fellow Americans who once said, “thank you for your service,” look away in disgust or discomfort.
Welcoming Our Veterans Home
Established in Kansas City, Missouri, by a group of combat Veterans, Veterans Community Project (VCP) provides high-quality and well-developed strategic services that enable Veterans to meet the challenges of day-to-day living, resolve immediate crises, and move towards permanent stability.
Because we believe red tape is a barrier no Veteran should be stuck behind, VCP serves any man or woman who took the oath to protect our Constitution regardless of discharge status and length or type of service.
VCP’s solution: provide Veterans a home of their own and individualized, wraparound support services that not only help get them back on their feet but ensure they continue standing.
The tiny homes in VCP Village offer Veterans a sense of security and the opportunity to reintegrate into the community at their own pace. Each home is pet-friendly and fully furnished with everything a Veteran needs, from new furniture to dish towels.
Specially trained case managers work one-on-one with each resident to achieve incremental, lasting results in health and wellness, education, employment, financial literacy, and the development of a personal support network. When the Veteran is ready, VCP provides support in finding a long-term housing solution, which may include market-rate rentals, homeownership, or subsidized housing. Not only does the Veteran take the entire contents of the tiny house with them, but they also take the ongoing support of the Village.
Average number of days a Veterans lives in VCP Village before successfully transitioning to their own permanent housing solution
496
13,229
Number of nights Veterans slept in their own tiny home in 2023
$268,213
Amount of emergency assistance dollars shared with Veterans in crisis in 2023
18,299
Number of volunteer hours provided by the community in 2023
414
Number of Veterans who mitigated the threat of homelessness or another crisis by utilizing VCP’s emergency assistance funds in 2023
Veterans Community Project is the community’s project.
What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a nationwide movement recognized by countless business and civic leaders, philanthropists, and passionate community advocates.
Volunteers actively participate in the creation and maintenance of each VCP Village, channeling their energy, skills, and resources to make a positive impact on those who served. This hands-on involvement strengthens the community’s bond and empowers individuals to do more than merely say “thanks” to Veterans for their service.
Together, we can make a decisive impact on our community and nation. Join us.
“You’re investing in a human life. A human life that invested in you at one time.”
- Tim, Veteran, U.S. Army VCP Village Alumnus