MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
SOUTH HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A local nonprofit is seeking funding and volunteers to begin construction on a tiny-home community designed to help veterans experiencing homelessness regain stability and independence.
Patriots Village plans to construct eight duplexes and a community building on a quarter-block of land near Avenue D and South Elm Street in South Hutchinson. The duplexes would provide housing for as many as 16 veterans.
Curtis Jefferies, treasurer of Patriots Village and a representative of KS for Vets, said the organization has completed an engineering study covering the project’s plumbing, electrical and other infrastructure needs. Plans have also been reviewed with the City of South Hutchinson.
“We have the full engineering study,” Jefferies said during an interview on the BW Morning Show. “We’re just trying to get some funding to actually start putting shovels in the ground.”
Jefferies said the project recently received its nonprofit status, clearing an important hurdle. Construction will likely occur in stages, possibly beginning with the first two duplexes.
Organizers hope to build the exterior shells before partnering with businesses, churches and community groups to complete the interiors. Groups could provide materials and volunteer labor while receiving assistance from experienced construction professionals.
Contributors could also be recognized with a plaque on the duplex they helped complete.
“We’re looking for the material and the manpower to actually come in and finish out a duplex,” Jefferies said.
Patriots Village is intended to provide more than housing. The planned community building would offer space for counseling and other services intended to help residents find employment, receive veterans’ benefits and eventually transition into permanent housing.
“Our goal is to get them in the village, get them back on track, helping themselves and helping them move out to another area,” Jefferies said. “We’re not planning on kicking anybody out, but our plan is to help them get independent and onto other housing.”
KS for Vets will work alongside Patriots Village to connect residents with medical care, financial assistance, Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and other resources.
Interfaith Housing Services has also assisted with the project’s development. Jefferies credited the organization and its staff with helping advance the proposal while Patriots Village worked to secure its nonprofit designation.
The site is within walking distance of several South Hutchinson businesses, an important consideration for residents who may not have reliable transportation.
Fundraising for the project is in its early stages. Proceeds from Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System’s Veterans Golf Classic on Oct. 3 will benefit Patriots Village. Sponsorship opportunities are available, including options for people who do not play golf but would like to honor a veteran.
Information about the golf event and Patriots Village is available through KS for Vets. The organization also holds a luncheon at noon on the second Friday of each month at Friends Church, 1200 E. 14th Ave. in Hutchinson.
Jefferies said the project’s construction timeline will depend largely on raising enough money to install utilities and begin the first phase.
For more information or to support the project, visit the KS for Vets website or call Jefferies at 620-966-1232.