Development of a Community of Small Homes for Homeless Veterans in South Carolina

Homelessness among veterans has been a problem in South Carolina for decades, but the «Veterans Welcome Home and Resources Center» has developed a plan that will support both veterans and the local community through creating an innovative new complex of small homes. As a veteran himself, this project is close to the heart of its organizer. Vietnam veteran Don Brown led the organization and development of the small homes project, helping to raise $110,000 for its implementation. The location in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was previously an abandoned gold course. It will be landscaped and renovated over the next two years to house around 50 small homes that will provide shelter and security for 300 homeless veterans living in the area. After the community raised funds for one small home in Myrtle Beach, the difference it made to those who would live in it inspired a new idea to build an entire community for the brave veterans of the country and members of the community.

Development and Planning Details

As of February 2022, the development of a new community of small homes for local veterans is underway on 3rd Street South in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After a generous donation of $1.2 million from a local anonymous donor, the plans for leveling and preparing the site for housing construction are successfully being implemented. So far, 25 small homes have been officially approved for development. However, the municipality states that its mission is to build a total of 50 small homes by 2024, contributing to the elimination of veteran homelessness. The small homes will be 160 square feet each, and although they are simple in construction and design, they will meet all basic needs of one adult person in need of housing, comfort, and safety. These sturdy small homes consist of a single main room that can be divided into several areas using partitions and furniture. The «Veterans Welcome Home and Resources Center» aims to provide these partitions and basic furniture for veterans, as well as host charitable events and fundraising efforts to fill the homes. On 3rd Street in Myrtle Beach, the small homes will be arranged in a communal style, creating an additional sense of community for recently settled veterans. Workers are currently laying the foundation for small homes and installing necessary infrastructure before construction begins. Project manager Scott Dooly says that each home will receive special attention to detail and be equipped with standard apartment elements.

Community Development Can Be Both Functional and Beautiful

When most people think of community development, they picture brick buildings and outdated architecture. However, projects like this one and those featured in gb&d prove the opposite. Small homes are a relatively new branch of architecture, praised worldwide for its simple yet innovative design. The tiny home movement has spread globally as trendsetters and digital nomads find comfort and flexibility in these small but functional homes. The community management company in Myrtle Beach decided to invest in small homes for veterans due to their inherent practicality in size and attractive design. While functionality is indeed at the center of this project, one cannot deny the charismatic appearance of these compact homes. Community managers and towns are not required to follow traditional approaches in thinking and designing architectural projects. As technology expands and becomes more accessible, there are more opportunities for original and exciting architectural solutions.

Small Homes Can Be a Solution to Veteran Homelessness Nationwide

South Carolina is not the only state investing in small homes for its homeless veterans. Homelessness remains a national issue faced by tens of thousands of veterans after leaving the military. However, innovative community development projects like this one can be a solution that America needs to restore dignity and safety for its soldiers. With so many veterans in the U.S. still struggling to find reliable housing and living arrangements, projects for building homes in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina will continue to prove their value. In fact, there are efforts underway to create small home communities for veterans in many states including Oklahoma, Colorado, and Texas.

Growth Across North and South Carolina in 2022

Community and housing development is not the only type of growth occurring in North and South Carolina in 2022. Industrial and commercial growth is thriving throughout Gaston County, especially in three main municipalities: Kings Mountain, Cheraw, and Bessemer City. As the small home community development project continues to grow, surrounding areas are also growing, making this region of the U.S. prepared for a prosperous year of growth and community solidarity.