MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON — A local veterans organization is working to bring transitional housing to South Hutchinson with a new project called Patriot Village, designed to provide safe, stable housing for veterans facing homelessness or hardship.
KS for Vets Treasurer Curtis Jefferies and President Danielle Stifler shared details on the BW Morning Show, noting that the group currently has a quarter-acre lot in South Hutch being held by Interfaith Housing while paperwork is finalized for nonprofit status. The plan calls for eight duplexes and a community center, providing housing for up to 16 veterans, with both short-term and long-term residency options.
“We’re hoping to give veterans a stable place where they can get their life back together,” Jefferies said.
Patriot Village will operate as its own nonprofit, separate from KS for Vets, and will rely heavily on volunteer labor and community support. The group expects to hire only one paid staff member, with the rest of the work completed by volunteers — including help with construction once the shell buildings are in place.
Donations can be made by check and earmarked specifically for “Patriot Village,” Jefferies said, and recent fundraisers — including contributions from Stage 9 and the Moose Lodge — have already begun building support.
The organization hopes to have nonprofit paperwork completed by early 2026, with a goal of opening the first duplexes by the end of next year.
The next KS for Vets meeting is set for Friday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hutchinson Community College Student Union, and is open to the public with lunch provided.
“We wouldn’t be anywhere if we didn’t have help,” Jefferies said. “This community is making this happen.”