Veterans Tiny Homes Village

Challenge

Veterans transitioning out of homelessness often face barriers beyond housing, including access to mental health resources, community support, and basic amenities. A veteran organization sought to create a safe, supportive environment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that would serve as both a residence and a hub for healing. To bring this vision to life, the organization needed a partner to lead site acquisition, navigate city approvals, and design a village that would blend into its urban setting while meeting the needs of the community. 

Solution

SEH partnered with the organization and the City of Milwaukee Department of City Development (DCD) during the project’s earliest stages, guiding real estate acquisition, civil and architectural design, stormwater management, and landscape architecture. The plan envisioned a 7-acre site featuring 40 individual tiny homes and a community building. The design emphasized simplicity, with a strategic use of color mirroring nearby developments to visually connect the village with its community.

To ensure long-term sustainability, the team developed an integrated stormwater management plan designed to effectively capture, convey, and treat runoff while preventing localized flooding. The system not only manages peak flows during heavy rain events but also improves water quality, protecting the surrounding natural environment and community assets. Additionally, careful attention was given to the site layout and utility design, with a focus on durability, efficiency, and resilience against future demands. Infrastructure was planned to minimize maintenance needs and extend service life while design details enhanced connectivity throughout the village, creating a built environment that will remain functional, safe, and welcoming.

A New Group Solution

At the heart of the design was the community building, which offered critical amenities to support residents’ well-being. It included administrative offices, therapy spaces, and group living and recreation areas. The intent was to create a central hub for connection and healing, providing residents with the resources and environment needed to rebuild their lives.

Public Outreach and Collaboration

SEH partnered closely with the City of Milwaukee DCD to secure approvals within the tight three-month window, guiding public engagement and compliance efforts to meet regulatory requirements while building community support. In addition to engineering, planning, and architecture, the team also assisted with fundraising, helping the organization obtain donations and sponsorships from partners.

Rendering of final design courtesy of FINKLENKLE + WILLIAMS Architecture and Veterans Community Project

Project Revival

Despite these efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic and fundraising challenges prevented the organization from moving the project forward. In 2022, new ownership from the Veterans Community Project (VCP) in Kansas City reenergized the initiative, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and direction. VCP has successfully developed multiple tiny home communities across the country, each designed to provide not just housing but a pathway to stability and independence. Drawing on this proven model, VCP introduced a clear set of program goals, design standards, and measurable outcomes tailored to Milwaukee’s needs. This helped further shape the site’s layout, infrastructure, and overall vision, ensuring the project aligned with both community expectations and VCP’s mission-driven standards. The team built upon this strong foundation, continuing to guide infrastructure planning and City coordination to make the Milwaukee village a reality.

Fundraising efforts brought Milwaukee Tool, the Generac Foundation, U.S. Venture, The Brewers Community Foundation, and several other entities to the table to assist in funding the project. In 2025, the Veterans Community Project received $2.5 million through the State of Wisconsin budget, paving the way for a groundbreaking and highlighting that even when plans face setbacks, perseverance makes success possible.

The Veterans Tiny Homes Village is taking shape as a compassionate, community-centered approach to housing veterans. By combining private living spaces with shared amenities and wraparound services, the project will provide a stable foundation for long-term independence.