Six-figure gift comes at right time for veterans tiny homes project
Veterans support organization awarded $305K as work toward transitional housing neighborhood in Sioux Falls continues
A tiny home village for homeless veterans in Sioux Falls is getting a six-figure boost.
The Veterans Community Project (VCP) of Sioux Falls has been selected as part of the 2024 Lowe’s Hometowns Community Impact Program, receiving a $305,000 grant to further its mission of providing transitional housing for homeless veterans.
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“It truly takes a community, and we are grateful for the generosity of Lowe’s and our key Sioux Falls partners who have joined the mission to get our nation’s veterans back on their feet and to ensure they continue standing in our community,” said John Holter, Executive Director of the Veterans Community Project of Sioux Falls.
Part of a total of $100 million Lowe’s is granting to nonprofits and goodwill organizations, VCP’s award comes as it continues to navigate unforeseen challenges in developing the two-acre neighborhood in central Sioux Falls.
While project plans call for the construction of 25 tiny houses for homeless veterans, The Dakota Scout reported last month that VCP was facing obstacles in meeting construction milestones promised as part of a gifting agreement with the city of Sioux Falls, in part due to cost overruns associated with developing the site near West Avenue and 7th Street.
With the Lowe’s grant, VCP anticipates it will complete five additional tiny homes this construction season. Additionally, the grant will facilitate the construction of a 6-foot privacy fence around the village and advance the development of five more homes to the drywall stage by winter, according to a news release.
The Sioux Falls City Council is also considering gifting VCP an additional $200,000 to assist with the further build-out of the neighborhood.
Fantastic support for a fabulous cause!
THANK YOU Lowe's and Sioux Falls City Council members in general and John Holter in particular for taking care of our veterans who are having difficulties.
This is a huge assist as you all "cover their backs" during their sometimes difficult transition from the camaraderie and trust of a small unit into the sometimes "everyone for themselves" world of business.
There's a special place in Heaven for everyone who;s lent a helping hand in this mission.