MYRTLE BEACH – Tiny Home Village Progress Update
Hey Myrtle Beach! As the sun rises over our beautiful coastline, there’s some exciting news brewing over on 3rd Avenue North. If you’ve been following the journey of the tiny home village set to house homeless veterans, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s inching closer to completion, despite a few bumps along the road.
What’s Happening?
Since 2020, this project has seen its fair share of challenges. Most recently, there’s been a snag involving a misaligned sewage pipe that’s keeping our veterans from moving in just yet. But don’t worry! Scott Dulebohn, the director of the Veterans Welcome Home and Resource Center, is on the case. He recently said, “The houses are ready to rock and roll. We just have to get the sewage pipe fixed. I think that’ll be all. I hope that’ll be all.”
What’s Next?
Once that pipe gets a little TLC, Dulebohn believes the village will pass its final inspection and hope to start the move-in process by the end of this month. Sounds promising, right? He’s optimistic about getting our veterans settled in as soon as possible.
A Gift of Land and Tenacity
This whole initiative started with a compassionate act from an anonymous Vietnam War veteran who donated the two acres of land. Since then, the team at the resource center has worked tirelessly, securing volunteers and funding, with construction really kicking off in early 2023.
Each of these tiny homes, just under 150 square feet, comes equipped with a full-size bathroom, kitchenette, storage, and even a futon. They’re not super fancy, but they’re definitely a step in the right direction for our homeless veterans.
Community Involvement
Want to know something even more heartwarming? Volunteers have been actively involved, working on finishing touches like gables, landscaping, and painting. Some groups even stepped up in the summer of 2023 to donate labor and supplies for insulation—talk about commitment! Community spirit is alive and well here in Myrtle Beach!
Looking Ahead
As bureaucratic hurdles are cleared, the future of this tiny home village looks bright. The initial phase will provide 25 homes for veterans, but once those are filled, the plan is to expand with an additional 15 homes and a resource center which will include a day room, a full kitchen, and laundry facilities. Imagine a space where veterans can gather, eat, and find support—that’s the ultimate goal!
Eligibility and Community Impact
To qualify for these homes, veterans need to provide proof of honorable discharge and agree to keep their homes free of loud parties. Each veteran will pay about $200 monthly, which goes into an escrow account to help with future housing expenses. Dulebohn estimates about 300 homeless veterans are currently in Horry County, so this project couldn’t come at a better time!
Frustrations and Hopes
While there have been delays—thanks to everything from shipment issues during COVID-19 to vandalism—Dulebohn is adamant that they are making progress. “We know people are frustrated. We are too, but it’s getting done. We are out here every day working to get it done,” he reassures us. With each passing day, the community grows a little closer to making this vision a reality.
Wrapping Up
So, Myrtle Beach, keep your spirits high and your fingers crossed! We’re all rooting for a swift resolution to the sewage pipe issue. The sooner our veterans can move into their new homes, the sooner we can all celebrate this triumph together. With a little more patience and community effort, this tiny village of hope is just around the corner!
