Fayetteville non-profit set to build tiny home village for homeless vets

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — After three years of planning, a Fayetteville-area non-profit is set to start construction on Fayetteville’s first tiny home village for homeless veterans.

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Crews with the Fayetteville Public Works Commission are installing underground utilities at the future site of Inasmuch Village near 531 Hillsboro Street. Once that work is complete, construction on the cottages will begin.

The project, led by Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch, will provide permanent housing for veterans experiencing homelessness.

“We are so excited to introduce Inasmuch Village to our Fayetteville community,” Executive Director Craig Morrison said.

The development will include 16 fully furnished one-bedroom cottages. Twelve of the homes will be accessible, while four will be specially designed for residents with disabilities.

Each cottage will be about 600 square feet and include a living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom. The village will also feature a community gathering space, green areas and pet-friendly accommodations.

Residents will pay rent based on 30% of their income. Inasmuch will oversee the application process and work with Veterans of the Carolinas and Employment Source to identify veterans eligible to live in the community.

Planning for the project began in 2023 through neighborhood outreach and prayer walks. Morrison said the organization had long hoped to expand its housing efforts for veterans experiencing homelessness.

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“The Lord put it on their heart to provide housing for our veterans, and similarly we have been praying for an opportunity to provide more housing for those who have served our country,” Morrison said.

The project was made possible by a $2 million investment from local philanthropists Ralph and Linda Huff.

“But Ralph and Linda Huff were extremely generous with a $2 million gift to help pull this thing together,” Morrison said.

Morrison said the organization hopes the village is only the beginning.

“There are plenty of other spaces and opportunities to expand the village once we get other partners on board. We can continue to grow and continue to serve and help more people,” Morrison said.

Developers expect construction to be completed by November. The official groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 19, and the first residents are expected to move into the cottages in 2027.

Since 2007, Fayetteville Area Operation Inasmuch has provided meals, showers, laundry, medical care, hygiene resources, and housing programs for people experiencing homelessness across Cumberland County.

The nonprofit serves an average of 120 free breakfasts each day and operates transitional housing for people working to regain stability.

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