Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania, city and state officials ceremonially broke ground on “Veterans Grove.”
Local officials on Monday praised a “tiny” project that they believe will make a big difference in Harrisburg.
Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (VOPA) ceremonially broke ground on “Veterans Grove,” a project that will create a tiny home village for homeless veterans in Harrisburg.
Harrisburg, county and state officials put shovels in the dirt on Monday at the site of the construction project, a five-acre plot of land at 1105 S. Front St., along the riverfront past the PennDOT building.
“We’ve been working day and night,” said VOPA president and founder Tom Zimmerman. “What a great day it is today.”
At the site, VOPA will construct 15 tiny homes and a community center for veterans experiencing homelessness. The organization plans to work with local agencies to identify potential residents who will live in the homes rent-free.
The site of the Veterans Grove project on S. Front Street.
The over $4 million project was approved by Harrisburg City Council in July 2021. Since then, the once-wooded land, donated by local philanthropist Peggy Grove, has been cleared for construction, according to VOPA board member John Hickey.
Hickey estimated that construction would take around eight months and be completed in February 2024.
“This is progress,” said Harrisburg Mayor Wanda Williams during the groundbreaking ceremony. “It is a step toward a more permanent solution.”
Model of a tiny home
According to Hickey, there are about 25 homeless veterans in Harrisburg on any given day. The tiny home village will provide temporary housing, among other support services, to veterans in need.
Veteran Gary Crowell, who spoke at the event, shared how vets often face feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression after their service. This project, he said, will help address those issues.
“Veterans who take up residence in this village will find a renewed sense of self, self-worth, purpose and hope,” Crowell said.
Veterans Grove will be located at 1105 S. Front St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit their website.
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