At Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln, we desire more than just satisfied customers, but a commitment to the community. With every dealership goal we achieve, we also have the ability to help our community.
Veterans Community Project is dedicated to supporting every man and woman who took the oath for our country. They are determined to make a difference in the lives of homeless Veterans, a task accomplished by the community for the community.
Your support of our dealership July through September, 2022, allows us to sponsor a Tiny House that will be a permanent part of VCP Village! We want to share in our community’s commitment to our country’s service members.
VCP Village of Sioux Falls just had their groundbreaking on June 30th, 2022! It was the largest groundbreaking for Sioux Falls Development Foundation as many people came together to celebrate the start of the new tiny house community for Veterans. Bryan Meyer, CEO & Co-Founder of VCP was at the groundbreaking and said, “If every community did what Sioux Falls did, we would end veteran homelessness.” VCP Village will be located on a property in northwest Sioux Falls – 376 N Willow Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104.
Stats and Facts about Veteran’s Community Project
Located on a 2-acre property in northwest Sioux Falls, VCP Village is a specialized community of 25 tiny homes with on-site, wraparound support services designed to equip homeless Veterans with the tools needed to return to a stable, prosperous, independent life.
320 sqft: size of family unit, which can sleep up to 7 people
240 sqft: size of tiny house including fully functional kitchen and bathroom
10 months: average length of stay in VCP Village
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. The homes offers sanctuary and the emotional space needed for each Veteran and VCP’s specially-trained team to thoroughly address the underlying causes of his or her homelessness.
Studies show that the Veteran population is 2x more likely to become chronically homeless than other groups of people. Approximately 20% of homeless males are Veterans, while female Veterans are the fastest growing demographic of unsheltered people in the United States.
37,828+ homeless men and women once served our country.
89% received an honorable discharge.
50% are 51 or older.
47% served in Vietnam.
51% have service-related disabilities.
The community of tiny homes includes a 3,000-square foot Village Center, serving as “base camp” for the residents and provides medical, dental and veterinarian offices, a fellowship hall, and other support services.
The root causes of Veteran homelessness are varied and complex. Long periods of unemployment, mental and/or physical illness, substance abuse, and a breakdown of traditional networks of support while in the service, all contribute to a Veteran’s loss of basic human needs.
The residents of VCP Village represent every branch of the military and nearly 5 generations of service. Approximately 10% of the Veterans are women.
With the support of their case managers and battle buddies, Veterans work to achieve incremental, lasting results in the areas of health and wellness, income stability, education and training, fiscal understanding, and the development of a personal support network. Once the Veteran’s individual goals are met, VCP assists him or her in securing a permanent housing solution and transitioning to a new life.
VCP’s case management model is built upon the conviction that Veterans experiencing homelessness can recover and reclaim their lives. By focusing on each Veteran’s inherent strengths, VCP helps reveal new choices and opportunities that ultimately allow Veterans to create their own pathway to success.
Veterans Community Project is the community's project. What began as a grassroots effort in Kansas City, Missouri has become a national movement. Thousands of volunteers build or maintain the Village, organize donation drives, host fundraisers, provide hospitality at the Outreach Center, pack hygiene bags, or find other meaningful ways to serve those who served us.
Do more than say “thank you” to a Veteran for their service.
We can’t wait to see this small village rise up in the months and years to come. Join the mission and help ensure that those who fought for your freedom can live with dignity.
- Volunteer: It takes a community to build a village!
- Donate: VCP is community funded and will be completed in steps as funds are received
- Options for donating goods: Hygiene items for the emergency pantry and household goods
- Share: Spread the Word about the Veterans Community Project.
Learn all the ways you can help >>
