Veterans Community Project - Sioux Falls

SIOUX F ALL S

OUR MISSION: Veterans housing Veterans, armed with the strength and support of the community

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.

33,129+

89% Received an honorable discharge

Mike, Age 62

HOMELESS MEN AND WOMEN ONCE SERVED OUR COUNTRY

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

51% Have servicerelated disabilities

“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.”

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 privately funded, armed with the strength and support of our community. We are ready and willing to respond with compassion to any brother or sister in need.

OUR MISSION:

Veterans Community Project is dedicated to supporting every man and woman who took the oath for our country. We are determined to make a difference in the lives of homeless Veterans, a task accomplished by the community for 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 make them 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 7 people

240 sqft

Size of tiny house including fully functional kitchen and bathroom

10 months

Average length of stay in VCP VIllage

Veterans Community Project of Kansas City

JOINT FORCES RESTORING

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 - and homelessness - create a unique and powerful sense of community.

When Steve moved into the Village, his main priority was to re-establish a relationship with his 9 year-old-daughter, Bella. For the year he was homeless, Steve was unable to care for his daughter, adding to his deep sense of anxiety and despair. Three months after moving into his tiny

house, Steve received partial custody and “started to feel like a father again.”

This personal victory for Steve 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 Steve 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’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.

VCP VILLAGE

SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA

Veterans Community Project has a long-term goal of eliminating Veteran homelessness everywhere.

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

Located on a 2-acre property in northwest Sioux Falls, VCP Village will feature 25 tiny houses and a 3,000-square foot Village Center for Veterans experiencing homelessness.

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.

Follow our social media for construction updates!

“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, provide hospitality at the Outreach Center, pack hygiene bags, or find other meaningful ways to serve those who served us.

Weareoneteamwithonefight.

Do more than say “thank you” to a Veteran for their service. Join our mission and help ensure that those who fought for your freedom can live with dignity.

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 one-on-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

Spread the Word! Stay up to date on VCP news and learn about community events by following us on social media or subscribing to our monthly Intel Brief newsletter.