Downriver for Veterans starts tiny homes initiative

DAVE GORGON

An initiative by the nonprofit group Downriver for Veterans calls for the creation of a series of tiny homes for area veterans.

Ann Rudisill, founder of the Wyandotte-based organization that serves former members of the armed forces, said the first tiny homes would be built in Flat Rock and the first resident would be Bob Harris, a World War II Army veteran from Southgate.

Rudisill said veterans would be selected for placement in other tiny homes and that the agency hopes to expand the initiative beyond Flat Rock to other Downriver communities.

Meanwhile, Downriver for Veterans has scheduled a number of fundraising events to help pay for the project and is seeking sponsors.

The organization also is working toward partnering with the City of Flat Rock to hold a summer barbecue to introduce the tiny homes concept to residents in the vicinity of Moses Street near Telegraph Road.

“We’re hoping to put a shovel in the ground next March or April,” said Rudisill, an Air Force veteran during the Vietnam War era. “This will be the first tiny homes project Downriver. Flat Rock is ecstatic to have us. We need sponsors, we need funding and we need people to help spread the word. We hope this gets out and other cities will do this as well.” Tiny homes have been popping up in recent years in conjunction with a movement about downsizing living spaces, simplifying and “living with less.”

Rudisill said the initial plan is for two tiny homes – about 350-square-feet apiece – to be built on small lots on acreage that has been donated for the project, plus a community center that would allow residents of the homes to welcome company for special events. The lot sizes will be 220 by 110 feet and 110 by 50 feet.

“Our goal is to get six tiny homes,” Rudisill said. “We’re happy starting with two.”

The agency plans to raise $50,000 to prepare the land for the homes with electricity and water service. She said it would take only two days to put a tiny home on the site.

Bob Howey will serve as architect and builder, Rudisill said. Quint Plumbing will participate in the process. TLC Property Management will install landscaping.

The homes would be fully furnished by Downriver for Veterans. Rudisill said church members have volunteered to help decorate the homes. The veterans would bring their own personal belongings.

The first recipient was chosen by the Downriver for Veterans board of directors. Rudisill said Harris currently lives in an apartment in Southgate, paying $700 for monthly rent, of which $300 is paid by Downriver for Veterans.

Harris would pay $350 a month to live in a tiny home, which Is what he can afford. Downriver for Veterans will pay the utility bills, she said.

Rudisill said Harris’ awareness is good, he’s self-sufficient and he can afford to pay part of the rent. A veteran hoping to be selected cannot be homeless, an alcoholic or drug user. They have to keep the place clean and pay rent on time.

A veteran would sign a year-to-year lease. After seven years, he or she would own the home.

A number of fundraising events have been planned to support the project. A concert by Blues Brothers tribute band American Made is scheduled for July 22 at UAW Local 387 on Telegraph Road in Flat Rock. The all-female band Pink Pumps will perform on August 29 at the Grecian Center in Southgate. Other fundraisers are posted on the Downriver for Veterans Facebook page.

Rudisill, who lives in Wyandotte, said she founded Downriver for Veterans six years ago because there was no other such agency in the region. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to supporting local veterans in a variety of ways.

“We’ve paid the bills for veterans that needed teeth, we’ve given away 48 cars, we’ve provided a mobile home for a veteran and his wife and we’ve paid for countless number of attorney fees and medical fees,” she said. “We’ve probably spent over $200,000 since we started.”

Now located in a former church building at 2322 Ford Avenue in Wyandotte – a building that was donated to the group, Downriver for Veterans also serves as a gathering place for the organization as well as a hub for services and goods needed by veterans.

For more information, visit the website www.downriverforveterans.org and follow the group on Facebook.