The following is a recap of a presentation by Chris Admire, Executive Director at Veterans Community Project, given to the Kansas City Coalition for Digital Inclusion on March 21st, 2025.
Veterans Community Project began in 2015 when a group of combat veterans identified gaps in services for their fellow veterans. The group pooled their resources to create what has now grown into a nationwide organization with 49 tiny houses in Kansas City, as well as additional locations in three other cities plus two more under construction.
The Village: Transitional Housing
VCP’s most visible program is their village of 49 tiny houses in Kansas City, which provides transitional housing for homeless veterans. Each house is fully furnished, and veterans can take everything with them when they transition out – providing a dignified approach to housing assistance. After a veteran transitions out, volunteers and staff refresh the house to ensure it looks brand new for the next occupant.
The village includes a community center where case managers work with residents, focusing on four key pillars:
- Education and training
- Income stability
- Health and well-being
- Network of support
To help veterans maintain stability after they leave, VCP created an alumni program. Case managers stay in contact with program graduates for up to twice as long as they were in the program, providing continuing support to prevent backsliding.
Outreach Center: Services Beyond Housing
Beyond the tiny homes, VCP operates an outreach center open to all veterans regardless of discharge status or length of service. The center helps veterans overcome barriers and improve their lives through various services:
- Career support services that help translate military skills and experience into civilian-friendly resumes
- Monthly commissary days where veterans can receive food assistance with the help of volunteer “personal shoppers”
- Street outreach teams that locate veterans living on the streets and connect them with services
- Benefits navigation assistance through partnerships with organizations like Vietnam Veterans of America and VFW
Partnerships and Collaboration
VCP emphasizes collaboration with other organizations, including:
- The VA, particularly for suicide prevention programs
- Vietnam Veterans of America and VFW for benefits navigation
- Bloom’s Animal Shelter for pet care services
- Various financial institutions that provide financial literacy training
- Digital inclusion partners who provide computer skills training and equipment
Pet-Friendly Approach
One distinctive feature of VCP is their pet-friendly policy, which came directly from conversations with veterans living on the streets. The village includes dedicated pet facilities including a pet wash station, veterinary care room, and an off-leash area. This accommodation removes a significant barrier that often prevents veterans from seeking shelter.
Digital Access
Digital connectivity has become an essential component of VCP’s services. While the original Kansas City village didn’t include hardwired internet in the homes, newer sites incorporate this feature. The Kansas City campus has adapted by implementing a mesh Wi-Fi network with special antennas to overcome signal challenges created by the insulated building materials.
The community center provides computer access, and VCP hosts digital skills classes through partnerships with organizations like Connecting for Good and Goodwill. Banking partners also offer digital financial literacy training to help residents manage their finances online.
Future Plans
VCP is planning to construct a new building that will serve as the “front door” for veterans seeking services. Their current outreach center will be repurposed to house 8-10 different service providers in one location, making it easier for veterans to access comprehensive support.