This nonprofit’s veteran tiny village combines safe homes with community and personalized support

To provide increased support for homeless veterans, the nonprofit Veterans Community Project (VCP) has begun building its sixth tiny home village in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The project will provide veterans with a safe place to live while offering personalized care and guidance to help them regain stability and independence.

40 tiny homes will provide support for homeless veterans

The new tiny home village for veterans will have 40 homes, each with 240 square feet. Despite their small size, each home includes a full kitchen, bathroom, and living area.

The homes are built on solid foundations and connected to city water and power. VCP has designed them using PTSD-informed design, inspired by military barracks.

This familiar layout helps veterans feel safe and comfortable, especially those who have experienced trauma during service.

The village is not only about housing; it is also a supportive community.

Residents will have access to case managers at the Village Center, where they can work on personal goals and overcome the challenges that contributed to their homelessness.

The goal is to create a foundation for independence, dignity, and long-term stability.

VCP’s success across the country

Since its founding in 2018 in Kansas City, VCP has helped hundreds of veterans transition into permanent housing.

The program reports that 85% of participants move into their own homes, typically within 335 days. In 2025 alone, 29 veterans have already “graduated” from tiny homes into permanent residences.

The six villages are located in Glendale, Arizona; Kansas City, Missouri; Longmont, Colorado; Sioux Falls, South Dakota; St. Louis, Missouri; and now Milwaukee.

When the Milwaukee village is finished, VCP will have 240 homes nationwide, demonstrating the organization’s dedication to supporting the homeless veterans.

Pride and ownership for Milwaukee veterans

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Marine veteran and VCP leader Bryan Meyer addressed the community.

He told the crowd, “Today is the start of generational change. Once these homes are built, I hope each of you are able to drive by with a sense of pride and ownership in the years ahead—because you are telling Veterans that Milwaukee refuses to let them go through it alone.”

Attendees toured a model home to see firsthand how the tiny homes provide comfort and practical living space.

Meyer emphasized that the homes serve as a stepping stone to independence, providing veterans with a safe environment and the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Support for homeless veterans brings dignity and stability

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers spoke at the event, highlighting the importance of providing veterans with more than just a roof over their heads. He said, “These tiny homes are more than a roof overhead and a safe place to sleep at night, they are a foundation that will help restore dignity, stability and community for those who have sacrificed so much for all of us.”

Governor Evers also expressed confidence that the Milwaukee village would help veterans transition successfully into long-term housing while benefiting from community support and services.

A veteran’s personal journey

The mission of VCP is deeply personal for some of its staff.

Army veteran Dave Myers struggled with addiction and legal troubles after returning from combat.

After serving time in prison, a judge encouraged him to volunteer at VCP, hoping the organization would recognize his potential.

Myers was eventually hired full-time and now helps veterans navigate their own challenges.

Reflecting on his experience, Myers said, “I was able to connect with our residents in some ways that not a lot of other people can. I’ve been in their shoes.” Looking back on his journey, he added simply, “This place saved me.”

Community efforts support homeless veterans.

Building the Milwaukee village costs $11.7 million. The State of Wisconsin contributed $2.5 million, and local organizations, including the Milwaukee Brewers, have joined to support the project.

These combined efforts ensure that veterans have ongoing access to housing, care, and a sense of community.

Across the village, VCP is demonstrating how thoughtfully designed housing, strong support systems, and community involvement can bring about lasting change.

For veterans who served their country and faced hardship at home, the project represents more than a home—it is a path to dignity, stability, and hope.

Watch WISN 12 News coverage to see how Milwaukee’s first Veterans Village is breaking ground and expanding support for homeless veterans with hope and action.