About VCP of Milwaukee

ROLL CALL

VETERAN HOMELESSNESS IN AMERICA

On a single night in January 2022, volunteers counted 33,129 Veterans who were experiencing homelessness in the United States. Tens of thousands more were uncounted, living in secluded camps, couch surfing, sleeping in cars, or hidden in plain sight.

Studies show that the Veteran population is 2x more likely to become chronically homeless than other groups of people. Approximately 20% of homeless males are Veterans, while female Veterans are the fastest growing demographic of unsheltered people in the United States.

The root causes of Veteran homelessness are varied and complex. Long periods of unemployment, mental and/ or physical illness, substance abuse, and a breakdown of traditional networks of support while in the service, all contribute to a Veteran’s loss of basic human needs.

“I was getting my ass kicked on the streets. Being robbed, getting sick. Anything could happen. It was chaos. Every day something would go bad.”

Mike, Age 62

33,129+

89% Received an honorable discharge

HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN ONCE SERVED OUR COUNTRY

50% Are 51 or older; 47% served in Vietnam

51% Have servicerelated disabilities

MANIFESTO STANDING IN THE GAP

We are Veterans Community Project (VCP), a team of connectors, feelers, and doers on a mission to help our kin, our kind. We move with swift, bold action, motivated by the sacred rule of leave no man behind.

We believe that a Veteran is anyone who raised a right hand and took the oath to protect our Constitution, regardless of discharge status or type of service.

We are armed with the strength and support of our community, ready and willing to respond with compassion to any brother or sister in need. We are determined to not only help get them back on their feet but ensure they continue standing.

OUR MISSION:

Veterans housing Veterans, armed with the strength and support of the community.

Veterans Community Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016 by a group of combat Veterans in Kansas City, Missouri.

From left to right: Bryan Meyer (U.S. Marine Corps), Brandonn Mixon (U.S. Army), Vincent Morales (U.S. Army), and Mark Solomon (U.S. Navy).

VCP VILLAGE KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

Our solution to forever end Veteran homelessness is simple: provide Veterans a home with dignity and honorable services that help them become a successful member of the community again.

VCP Village is a specialized community of tiny homes with on-site, wraparound support services designed to equip our Veterans with the tools needed to return to a stable, prosperous, independent life.

Each tiny house provides everything a Veteran needs to live with dignity and security; new furniture, appliances, housewares, bedding, personal items, and utilities - all free of charge. The VCP Village Center serves as “base camp”

for the residents and provides medical, dental, and veterinarian offices, a fellowship hall, and other support services.

The Village offers sanctuary and the emotional space needed for each Veteran and VCP’s specially-trained team to thoroughly address the underlying causes of his or her homelessness.

With the support of their case managers and battle buddies, Veterans work to achieve

incremental, lasting results in the areas of health and wellness, income stability, education and training, fiscal understanding, and the development of a personal support network.

Once the Veteran’s individual goals are met, VCP assists him or her in securing a permanent housing solution and transitioning to a new life.

320 sqft

Size of family unit, which can sleep up to 5 people

240 sqft

Size of tiny house including fully functional kitchen and bathroom

COMPREHENSIVE

VCP’s case management model is built upon the conviction that Veterans experiencing homelessness can recover and reclaim their lives.

By focusing on each Veteran’s inherent strengths, VCP uses a “5 Supports” model that helps reveal new choices and opportunities that ultimately allow Veterans to create their own pathway to success.

For Veterans requiring additional resources, VCP

collaborates with trusted community partners to address issues related to mental and behavioral health, addiction, or other barriers to success.

Once the Veteran’s individual goals are met, VCP assists him or her in securing a permanent housing solution and transitioning to a new life.

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.

14 Months

85%

Residents successfully transition from VCP Village to permanent housing

Average length of stay in VCP Village Income

BATTLE BUDDIES CREATING

The residents of VCP Village represent every branch of the military and nearly 5 generations of service. Approximately 10% of the Veterans are women.

The residents’ shared experiences of service create a unique and powerful sense of community.

When Tim moved into the Village, his main priority was to re-establish a relationship with his 4 year-old-daughter, Bella.

For the year he was homeless, Tim was unable to care for her, adding to his deep sense of anxiety and despair.

Three months after moving into his tiny house, Tim received joint custody and “started to feel like a father again.”

This personal victory for Tim felt like a victory for the entire Village.

His fellow Veterans surround him with support; the mothers and fathers in the Village offer parenting advice and several of his battle buddies provide rides so Tim doesn’t miss a weekend visit, game, or birthday party.

When a Veteran knows someone has his or her back, their fear is diminished, strength is revealed, and hope is restored.

It takes a Village to heal a village.

VCP VILLAGE

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN

Using Kansas City as the blueprint, VCP has begun its national expansion of serving Veterans experiencing homelessness across the United States.

Located on a 7-acre property west of North 60th Street and Green Tree Road in the city’s northwest side, Veterans Community Project of Milwaukee will be a specialized village of 40 tiny homes with on-site, wraparound support services designed to equip Veterans with the tools needed to return to a stable, prosperous, independent life.

The Center will be the heart of the Village, providing a hub for VCP’s robust, wraparound support services as well as a place for residents to connect with one another.

Because helping Veterans develop strong networks of support is an essential part of the VCP model, “community” is built into every aspect of the Village’s design.

From the outdoor pavilion to the Great Hall, Veterans will have an inviting space to share experiences, learn from one another, and build life-long relationships.

VCP of Milwaukee will not only provide critical resources, but it will also:

• Beautify the surrounding area, increasing the property values of homes and businesses

• Provide ongoing opportunities for community volunteerism

• Strengthen Milwaukee’s social services sector

• Become as a source of civic pride

32

Single Residency Homes (240 sq-ft)

8

Family Homes (320 sq-ft)

“Before I got to VCP, I was at a standstill. I 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."

Kyle, VCP Village Alumnus

GET INVOLVED

SERVE THOSE WHO SERVED US

Veterans Community Project is the community's project. What began as a grassroots effort in Kansas City, Missouri has become a national movement. Thousands of volunteers build or maintain the Village, organize donation drives, host fundraisers, or find other meaningful ways to serve those who served us.

Do more than say “thank you” to a Veteran for their service. Join us.

Volunteer

It takes a community to build a Village. VCP volunteers help build and prepare the houses for Veterans, manage administrative duties, assist VCP with community events, and much more.

Donate

VCP is community funded. Corporate and individual donations help provide and maintain housing and oneon-one case management for Village residents along with critical Outreach services for Veterans in crisis. Learn more about monthly giving, corporate sponsorship and ongoing Village support by visiting our website.

Share

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