ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A faith-based group is taking "tiny" steps to fight homelessness among our nation's veterans.
- Tiny homes being built for vets transitioning from homelessness
- Celebrate Outreach broke ground on 1st tiny home Monday
- Homes are designed by USF school of architecture students
- Learn more about Celebrate Outreach's Tiny Homes project
- More Good News stories
Celebrate Outreach of St. Petersburg is building "tiny homes" — micro-sized permanent houses less than 500 square feet — meant to be an affordable housing option to help veterans in tough situations get back on their feet.
The nonprofit group broke ground on the first house, at 35th Street and 3rd Avenue South on Monday. The tiny home will go to a veteran who is actively transitioning from homelessness.
USF students at the school of architecture came up with the designs for the homes.
"It's incredible that we can finally start paying back a little bit what they've given up for us," designer and former USF student Yesinia Vega said.
Eventually, organizers hope to raise money to build more tiny homes for anyone who needs it.
"We started with homeless veterans, but we're going to continue and grow exponentially," Celebrate Outreach coordinator Sabine von Aulock said.
Each home will cost about $45,000.
The first house is expected to be ready for a veteran homeowner by fall 2019.