The Veterans Community Project in Longmont has spent years building up to Tuesday when they were finally able to hand over the keys to four tiny homes to four deserving veterans.
“This is an incredibly important milestone that means so much to me, both personally and professionally. This is a very real way to help people move forward, and being a part of a project that creates such a tangible impact is something hard to put into words. Our Veterans opening the door to their homes and seeing what our amazing community, volunteers, staff, and VCP family have provided for their fresh start will be an emotional moment and the start of a new chapter in each of their lives,” said Ash Wallis, director of Veteran Support Services for VCP.
The VCP Village is located on a 2 acre property off Nelson Road. The community houses a community center and four finished tiny homes. When complete, the village will consist of 26 tiny homes that will be given to veterans and their families.
The veterans who live in the village are provided with the home, furnishings and utilities while they work on the underlying causes of their homelessness.
“Having a home provides safety and stability to allow these Veterans to focus on their mental and physical wellness, training and education, increasing their income, learning to manage their finances, and becoming active members of their community. A home gives our Veterans an opportunity to exit survival mode and move into a new phase where they can reach a stable baseline and truly live their lives,” Wallis said.
“This is huge! This means so much to me! I am ready to do the work that having this home will allow me to do. I'm ready! This home, and the work that's gone into it, it is more than I could have ever imagined. I'm so thankful for this opportunity,” said a veteran who received keys to his home. As the veterans adjust to their new homes, VCP asked their names remain anonymous.
Everyone who has been involved in the project over the years felt an abundance of emotions from joy and relief to anxiety, Wallis said, adding that they all want the veterans to find success.
The veterans walked into tiny homes that had been completely furnished through community donations and support. The beds were made and the details were completed to make each space feel like home.
According to Wallis, the next steps are to give the veterans space to acclimate to their new surroundings, especially those who had been living on the streets previously.
“ Then, we’ll get them connected to mental and physical wellness resources, work on basic life skills, and start making the first steps forward to reach their goals,” Wallis said.
Although the emotions were high, the veterans were grateful for the opportunity.
“I have been tingling with excitement for weeks at the possibility. Walking into my home today, seeing this place. it's pretty amazing. It feels really good. It's hard to even explain, but I am so glad to be here,” a veteran said.
