Veterans Day ceremony marks initial development of 48 tiny homes for vets in Milwaukee

Alderwoman Chantia Lewis

MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Milwaukee Alderwoman Chantia Lewis on Monday, Nov. 11 held a Veterans Day signing ceremony to mark the initial development of tiny homes for homeless veterans in Milwaukee.

"We are one step closer to picking up a hammer and getting to work," said Alderwoman Lewis.

The Milwaukee Common Council on Nov. 5 approved legislation to bring 48 Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin tiny homes and a community center to city-owned land near 60th Street and Green Tree Road, each with about 240 square feet of living space.

Tiny Homes project proposed for 60th and Green Tree in Milwaukee

Alderwoman Lewis, herself a veteran, said the homes would provide housing for homeless veterans and veterans in danger of becoming homeless for up to
two years as they ready for a transition to permanent housing.

Mayor Tom Barrett

"It gives the opportunity to have a level of freedom, independence, and support wrapped together," said Alderwoman Lewis.

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin is raising funds to help construct the tiny homes.

“This first-of-its-kind project in Milwaukee will include supportive services that address the trauma some veterans face and the desire for dignity shared by all veterans,” said Alderwoman Lewis. “I am proud to welcome my veteran brothers and sisters to a place where they can be safe and where they can connect with peers and the support they need."

"That brings people together so that they can get, not only the services they need but the human interaction they need," said Mayor Barrett.

The Milwaukee project was based on a successful project in Racine by Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin — which was a first-of-its-kind project in the country.

Racine tiny homes

The James A Peterson Veteran Village and SC Johnson Community Center are located at 1624 Yout Street, Racine, WI 53404. The 15 homes opened in fall 2017.