Jason Kander, the Jewish former Missouri secretary of state, broke ground earlier this month in north St. Louis on the construction of 50 tiny homes to help veterans experiencing homelessness.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones and other local leaders joined Kander for the groundbreaking ceremony.
Kander, a Democrat and veteran, joined the Army after September 11, 2001, served in Afghanistan as a military intelligence officer and rose to the rank of Captain. He now serves as president of the Veterans Community Project (VCP).
VCP is a Kansas City-based nonprofit founded by combat veterans. VCP’s mission is to fill the gaps in services for all veterans and provide transitional housing to end veteran homelessness. Kander has promised to expand VCP to eight additional cities by 2022 and then to every major city in America. The organization plans to build 50 tiny homes on a 3.5-acre site in the Jeff-Vander-Lou neighborhood.
“Each tiny house provides everything a veteran needs to live with dignity and security; new furniture, appliances, housewares, bedding, personal items, and utilities — all free of charge,” VCP states on its website. “The homes offer sanctuary and the emotional space needed for each veteran and [Veterans Community Project’s] specially-trained team to thoroughly address the underlying causes of his or her homelessness.”
The property will also feature an outreach center where veterans can receive emergency rent and utility assistance; food and hygiene kits; employment support; and benefits navigation, among other services.
The St. Louis Jewish Light contributed to this story.