'Mishawaka Troop Town' complete, take a tour inside the tiny home for homeless veterans

MISHAWAKA, Ind.-- Construction is complete for "Mishawaka Troop Town," a new housing development specifically for homeless military veterans.

Troop Town leaders celebrated a ribbon-cutting on Labor Day, with the goal of moving in the first guests by Veterans Day.

ABC57's Annie Kate got a tour of Troop Town from President and Co-Founder, Jim Metherd.

"We have four buildings that are 800 square feet each, and they're cut right down the middle, for two units per building, which would be a 400 square feet efficiency apartment," he said.

The complex is made up of a welcome center and four "tiny home" duplexes. It's meant to be transitional housing for veterans facing homelessness.

"Locally, we know that there are at least 50 veterans who have found themselves homeless," said Dan Gann, vice president of Mishawaka Troop Town.

It can house eight veterans at a time for up to two years. It's conveniently located next door to the VFW Local 360 on East Jefferson Boulevard.

The centerpiece of Troop Town is an honor brick garden right in the center of the complex. It includes a fire pit and seven flags, with one from each branch of the military.

"Everything is provided to the veteran if they so choose to take part in it," Metherd said.

Troop Town is possible thanks to community partners. ABC57 learned that local business owner Jack Champion is a primary benefactor and Cultivate Food Rescue is also pledging to donate three meals a day, seven days a week, for each resident.

The vets won't just have private housing; they'll be in a program to find permanent housing, employment, and the tools they need to remain on their feet. It will be a strict program, Metherd said.

"Every one of those veterans is used to structure and organization within the military, whatever branch you're in. So, that's how we're going to continue. Providing that discipline, providing that," Metherd said. "It's not our problem how they become homeless. Our mission is to combat veteran homelessness."

If you want to learn more or donate, visit the Mishawaka Troop Town Facebook page.