SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – A national organization that builds tiny houses for homeless veterans has plans to bring a project to Sioux Falls.
The Veterans Community Project has asked that about 2 acres of land near Axtell Middle School be rezoned for the project which would include 22 individual homes and eight family homes, along with a community center.
The project would also include include transitional support services for veterans, including a case manager.
Representatives from the organization briefed City Council members on the project Tuesday.
Vice president of national construction, Ben Hendershot, says the project has been in discussion since 2019, but was delayed somewhat because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The local leadership in Sioux Falls around here has been nothing short of perfect,” Hendershot told the Argus Leader.
The group has a 49-home village operating in Kansas City, Missouri and two more under construction in St. Louis and Longmont, Colorado.
The organization’s co-founder, Vincent Morales, says construction of the homes would also create volunteer opportunities for residents, local businesses and organizations. Morales noted that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes painted one of the homes in their first village.
The city’s Planning Commission will review the rezoning request on Wednesday. If approved, the plan would go to a first reading by the council on April 20.
If final approval for the project is granted, Hendershot says it could be operational within two years.