39 Days

39 days until the 'Merica' Made of Steel Off-Roading Show. So many have asked why are Brandon Area BadAss Jeepers and Sioux Falls Area Jeep Enthusiast doing this. Well let me tell you about the Veterans Community Project in Sioux Falls.

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to tour the Veterans Community Project and to say I was in awe is an understatement. This Community Project has so much to offer our

Veterans and what better way to help the people that served our country and provided us our freedom. This is a project for Veterans who have fallen on hard times to help them get back up on their feet and we are proud to support it.

The Veterans Community Project is a community of tiny homes designed to help Veterans get back on their feet. The community of tiny homes is an on-site with wraparound support services designed to equip our Veterans with the tools needed to return to a stable, prosperous, independent life.

Each house provides everything a Veteran needs to live with dignity and security. There is new furniture, appliances, housewares, bedding, personal items, and utilities - all free of charge.

Once a Veteran is able to get back on their feet they are allowed to take everything with them so they have the necessary items to start their life off on the right foot.

The village provides medical, dental, and veterinarian offices, a fellowship hall, and other support services. They offer a sanctuary and the emotional space needed for each Veteran. The team helps Veterans address the underlying causes of his or her homelessness.

With the help of their case managers, Veterans work towards achieving incremental, lasting results in health, wellness, income stability, education and training, fiscal understanding, and the development of a personal support network.

The Veteran population is two times more likely to become chronically homeless than other groups of people.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 Veteran's Community is located on 2-acres of property in Northwest Sioux Falls. It will feature 25 tiny homes, and a 3,000 square foot Village Center for Veterans experiencing homelessness. The center is the heart of the community. This is where all the services will be provided and allow Veterans to connect with one another.

On my tour a couple weeks ago I learned that this project does not receive any federal funding. The only way they can continue to move along with the project is through donations. They can only build what they have money for and then they have to pause until more funds come in. Brandon Area BadAss Jeepers and South Falls Area Jeep Enthusiast are excited to be supporting such an amazing cause. So, if you think you would like to support this cause come on out to the 'Merica' Made of Steel Off-Roading Show and have some fun!