Fayetteville nonprofit plans tiny home village for homeless veterans, providing housing, mental health support, and job training to reduce homelessness and veteran suicide
New Tiny Home Village for Homeless Veterans in Fayetteville
Veterans make up less than 10% of North Carolina’s population. However, they account for nearly one-fifth of the state’s homeless population. In Fayetteville, there are 28 homeless veterans, according to veteran advocacy groups.
A new nonprofit in Fayetteville aims to change this situation.
Redeploying American Veterans, founded by retired Army veteran Jimmy Plater, plans to create the city’s first tiny home village for homeless veterans. The project will provide safe housing, mental health support, and job training to help veterans rebuild their lives.
About the Project
Plater, a 30-year Army veteran who retired from Fort Bragg in 2015, said his military experience motivated him to take action.
“I retired here at Fort Bragg in 2015, and my family is here. I’m here,” Plater said. “The purpose of RAV is to provide tiny homes for homeless veterans, primarily the ones that are hidden homeless, and to bring them back into our population.”
The organization has received approval from city leaders to move forward with the project. It will include six fully furnished, one-bedroom tiny homes, each approximately 400 square feet.
According to Plater, the village aims to reduce homelessness, address veteran suicide, and relieve pressure on local shelters.
Challenges Faced by Homeless Veterans
“Right now, our concept is a one-bedroom, fully furnished tiny home,” he said.
Plater noted that many homeless veterans did not expect to become homeless. They often face challenges such as mental health issues, lack of civilian job training, or financial instability after leaving the military.
“For anyone that has served in the military that is homeless, we owe them a debt of gratitude,” Plater said. “Most of them didn’t ask to be homeless due to circumstances.”
Timeline for the Project
The nonprofit expects to break ground within the next six months. The first group of veterans is projected to move into the village by 2027.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Veteran Population in NC | Less than 10% |
| Homeless Veterans in Fayetteville | 28 |
| Number of Tiny Homes | 6 |
| Size of Each Home | Approximately 400 sq ft |
| Projected Move-in Year | 2027 |
