Milwaukee proposes plan to build dozens of 'tiny homes' for at-risk veterans

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee is working on an innovative option for homeless veterans.

Dozens of "tiny houses" are planned for a city-owned site near 60th and Green Tree Road.

Each of the tiny homes will be approximately 240 square feet, and up to 48 of these houses could ultimately be constructed on the site. The first step in moving this project forward is the city selling the land.

"These are the tiny homes that allow veterans to have the dignity to be in their own dwelling, but also provide them the support services that will allow them to be successful as they make the transition from the armed forces back into our community," Mayor Tom Barrett said. 

The veterans who live in the tiny homes can stay up to two years before transitioning into permanent housing. 

Milwaukee Alderwoman Chantia Lewis, an Air Force veteran, has been fighting for this project.

"People do not realize that a veteran is one step away from being homeless when we are discharged. So I am forever grateful to the Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin for the work that they are doing," Ald. Lewis said.

Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin is raising money for the tiny homes. 

The goal is to start construction next year.