Nonprofit Plans To Build Village Of 50 Tiny Homes For Homeless Veterans In OKC

A Kansas City-based nonprofit focused on ending veteran homelessness plans to expand into Oklahoma City. 

Veterans Community Project announced last week it will build 50 tiny homes, each less than 300 square feet, on a property on North Phillips Avenue between Northeast 26th and 28th streets.

The property will also host a community center and outreach center. 

“What we do is we really restart the military to civilian transition back at Day 1,” VCP president Jason Kander said. “No matter how long you’ve been without a home, no matter how long you have been struggling, let’s start this again.” 

In recent years, Oklahoma City’s homeless population has grown, according to a 2020 city survey. Veterans make up roughly 10% of the city’s homeless population. 

“10% means 150, 160, 170 homeless vets on our streets or in our shelters every night,” The Homeless Alliance executive director Dan Straughan said.

The nonprofit’s model includes on-site services and transitional housing for veterans experiencing homelessness. After receiving treatment and help, Kander said tiny home residents transition to permanent housing. 

In Kansas City, Kander said 85% of their residents moved into a permanent living situation. 

Social, legal and other services help with their transition, which are provided by local groups and volunteers. 

“A big part of why we’re coming to Oklahoma City is because we’ve identified Oklahoma City as a place that has that capacity to provide that level of service and that level of passion toward veterans,” Kander said. 

A VCP spokesperson said the nonprofit does not yet have a timeline for construction.