The Veteran Village

James A. Peterson Veteran Village

The James A Peterson Veteran Village and SC Johnson Community Center are located at 1624 Yout Street, Racine, WI 53404. We house homeless veterans while supplying them with all the tools needed to break the cycle of homelessness and help them to once again become productive members of society.

Our program is much more than just a shelter for homeless veterans. We bring them into a welcoming, warm environment with all the amenities they need, including a full-sized kitchen, recreation area, showers, bathrooms, and a laundry room. In addition, they have their own unique tiny home which has a bed, small storage areas, a microwave, Keurig machine, refrigerator, and a television. A large part of the program is working closely with each resident to bring all the tools necessary for success and well-being. These tools include group therapy for PTSD and AODA, assistance with work search, Veterans benefit search, financial advice and guidance, and housing placement. We also offer alternative classes from cooking to yoga to art therapy. We want each Veteran to have a well-rounded experience so they may grow and adapt.


SC Johnson Community Center

The SC Johnson Community Center is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to Veterans living in the James A. Peterson Veterans Village. The facility includes male and female restrooms, a laundry room, four showers (two are handicap accessible), a full-sized kitchen with food pantry access (during normal business hours), a recreation area with pool table, two televisions, and a large L-couch.

At the Outreach, we do not want the tiny homes to be a place to hide. The goal of the Community Center is to encourage the Veterans to step out of their tiny homes and into a community setting where they can interact with one another to help with their transition from homelessness. With the access to the facility, skills training, and interaction with other Veterans we hope to complete our mission to assist homeless and at-risk Veterans strive for normalcy in life and end the homeless cycle.

75 thoughts on “The Veteran Village

    1. We do not have a set date for the next build of the tiny homes but we will add you to our list of volunteers so that we can notify you of upcoming opportunities. Thank you for contacting us!

      1. I have a property listed in the Dells that I think would be a good possibility for another Tiny Home project. W 14856 Hwy 16. MLS # 1812645. Please contact me if interested or w/questions. TY.

      2. I work at a major company in the area and am very interested in trying to set up something to come out and help. Can you please reach out and let me know if you have anything we could.possibly get involved in? My email is [email protected]

        1. As of right now, we ARE in need of a couple of volunteers on Mondays from 10am-1pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays 10am-Noon stocking/organizing non-perishable food items in our Food Pantry! Otherwise, we are compiling a volunteer spreadsheet soon so that we can keep in touch with those that want to volunteer when there are other opportunities in the future. To schedule when you’d like to volunteer, you can call us at 262-221-8350! Thank you so much!

  1. We would like to volunteer our time to help out. 2 adults and 2 teenagers are willing to volunteer for 20 hours. Do you need us?

      1. You can call and ask for Shannon, our Resident Coordinator at 262-221-8350! Sunday nights are our Community Dinner nights, so she will be able to coordinate what Sunday night works best for you to cook dinner for them! Thank you so much for offering your help!

  2. This project looks fantastic. I would love to see this come to fruition. I would like to know more about this development, and possibly participate. I have two non-profit volunteer organizations that would likely be interested in helping and I have a private company that would gladly put a donation page on our website specifically for this development. Our website is being developed right now, so adding the extra page will not be difficult at all. Please contact me.

    1. When your website is up and running please contact Marc Pigeon in the office or via email at [email protected] so that he can forward you the donation links that we have available. Thank you for considering us for donations and volunteering!

  3. We would like to volunteer to help at the UAW building. I have 2- 16 year old young men and 2 grandparents. We can volunteer in the evening or on Saturday mornings.

    1. Hello Jim,

      We are always looking for volunteers to help with building the tiny homes and other events in the area. Please “Friend” us on Facebook where we keep our events up to date as much as possible. We are compiling a list of volunteers at this time. When we have events in the future, we will send out an email. We are having a food drive this coming weekend at The Piggly Wiggly on Washington Avenue starting at 9am if you would like to join us. Thank you for contacting us! We look forward to working with you in the future.

    1. Absolutely! You can drop it off at 1624 Yout St in Racine. We accept donations from 10-5pm Monday-Friday. Thank you so much!

  4. Hello My Name is Sgt. Rendon I am at RYOCF the youth facility in Racine every year we host a health Fair and we pick a organization to donate to this year we chose you at the James a Peterson Village we would like to be able to donate different Items for the houses like Hygene products and other things that you may have a list of products we can help with the fair will be held on 9/11/2017 we would like it if some one could come and represent the tiny house program. can somebody contact me at 262- 638-1999 monday thru friday between 7 and 3 pm we would like to help those in need in our community

  5. Homeless veterans need immediate regular housing with standard leases, privacy, and keys to locking doors; not these prison-like hell-holes that viciously slanders them as mentally ill, drug addicted, and full-blown alcoholics so the program Poverty Pimp operators can tap into government funding in the veteran’s names.

    1. We are truly sorry if our project came across as offensive and demeaning to our Veterans. Our goal is to ensure they have a comfortable place where they can keep their belongings, relax in, and call home. We are working with the resources we have (which does not include any federal funding) to get them off the streets and into a space that has all the amenities such as AC, heat, electricity, and Internet. They will also have 24/7 access to our Community Center which has a full-sized kitchen, laundry area, showers, and a recreation area to unwind and meet other Veterans.

      Furthermore, we have worked with many Veterans from all walks of life that use our Food Pantry and we stay far away from judgements. Just the same, none of our Veteran residents will be labeled to any extent. They are here to get a leg up in life and we are here to help them do just that.

      I truly hope you at least give us a chance and drop by our location to see what we have done. We are here from 10-5, Monday-Friday. 1624 Yout St, Racine, 53404.

      1. Hello Jim:
        Let me begin by Wishing You, your family and Staff a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
        My name is Donnie Lee and I am inquiring about gathering information regarding the SUCCESS of your Tiny HOME Village {s} for the Veterans in your area!!
        I live in the Greater CINCINNATI area of Norther Kentucky. The situation in my area of Homeless Veterans are STAGGERING!!!
        I am Hoping to invest my time and Energy to, in some way HELP these individuals that are living in our streets, under bridges and some actually losing their lives.
        I so BELIEVE that there are enouph Concerened and Caring PEOPLE here , that if I can reach them with an idea , they’d be more than happy to listen and take notice.
        Its a WONDERFUL project you have created and ANY AND ALL INFORMATION you can share, or information as to WHERE i can locate it… WOULD BE MORE THAN APPRECIATED!!!
        I hope to intensively study and PRESENT this IDEA {{WISH}} to the approprate State and County Offices by May or June of this New Year!!!
        GOD Bless you for All your doing to Give back to the VETERANS that risked their lives to protect ours!!
        They, of ALL People SHOULD NOT BE STRUGGLING to SURVIVE in Our Country!!!
        Sincerely and with a Hopeful Heart❤
        Donnie Lee Pratt

        1. We are happy to hear your are interested in starting this project in your area! Please fill out the contact us form and we can help you out from there.

      2. Hi. I am a mother of an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran. He is currently homeless and is in need of your program. Could you please contact me so that I may get more information. Thank you in advance

      3. I suspect August hasn’t even seen what the village looks like.
        Images on the Outreach page are pretty staggering.

        1. If you’d like to see more of what the village looks like, you can call us and schedule a tour! Our Touring Hours are Mondays & Fridays 10am-2pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays 10am-5pm!

    2. I hope you take the time to realize what they are doing here. It is not a prison. It is a chance. A chance to get back on their feet. To connect to other veterans that understand what they are going through. They are small so they go to the rec area and do therapy and socialize instead of cutting themselves off from the rest of the world. I think if you ask the veterans that are benefiting from this what they think, they will say they are greatful.

  6. Can the veterans have a beer if they want, can the veterans have their girlfriend/boyfriend spend the night, can the veterans tell Veterans Outreach to mind their own business?

    1. As in most housing facilities, there will be rules in place. These rules are meant to keep the community strong, safe, and equally comfortable for all residents. If you have worked in previous housing facilities and seen certain regulations (or lack thereof) that really work, please feel free to send a message our way. We are always open to suggestions.

  7. I’m impressed that your association managed to do this without gov. help. The tiny homes are awesome. If I was in that situation I’d be thrilled for this opportunity, and living in a nice home that has everything you could need. Well done!

  8. I love the idea, a city location close to jobs is excellent!
    I’m a veteran and built my own tiny house on my farm. They are becoming quite popular, in particular for people who do not want to be in servitude to mortgage payments for years.
    A simple Google search on Tiny homes will demonstrate to the derogatory commenter above they are merely uneducated or ignorant…

  9. I am going to be starting a non-profit organization to help veterans, foster children and our community. I want to duplicate this wonderful endeavor. Can you please give me information on your project? Also interested in helping you.

      1. Hello there, congrats for putting in the effort to DO good rather than merely wish or BE good. I notice your tiny homes appear to be roughly 8×12, and while I can say without reservation that I don’t find that impossible to stay in, as I spent a week in one that size and it was great, I think there may be options for a little more that allow you to stay on budget. I’ve designed a 40′ cargo container (high cube) as a duplex unit with kitchen, bath/shower, and bedroom area that you might find interesting and useful.

  10. I am in awe of what you have been able to do for the veterans in your area. I’m in Orlando FL and this program is needed in every country of every state. I would like to duplicate your community here if possible. Where do I go to get information to get this started. I am not a builder but I am a daughter of a Vet, a sister to 2 Gulf War Vets and a mother of a Vet. Anything that I can do for all the Veterans have done would be my pleasure!! Well done sir, well done!!

  11. I am interested in replicating your project in Central Florida. Can you also send me information on the tiny homes and your program? Great job! Thanks!

  12. I have been to one benefit and also been to see the Great place you have built for our Vets. It is a great place to get a fresh start. Thank you , Will be happy to help more when can. Please keep me updated.

  13. I’m really happy that this is going on I have some items that I would like to donate wondering how we can get together on that

  14. I am an electrician from Chicago and we do a lot for veterans. I saw your project on Facebook, and I am curious how you started up? I would love to do the same here in Chicago.

  15. I would love to help with your next build.
    I served with the airforce and a member of my vfw here in my home town. We have helped the community with food drives and other events. I seen your video about building the homes . And thought I would and want to help and hopefully build more homes across are country

    1. Excellent! Please use the “Contact Us” form to send us your name, email, and phone number and we will add you to our volunteer list!

  16. Hello I am a veteran who’s wife has made a beautiful red,white and blue afgan blanket.She has a desire to donate it to a homeless veteran or one in need of it.She has pancreatic cancer and spent hours making it.Please contact me at [email protected] or 262-886-5307.Thanks much.

  17. People can do this and we should start a whole movement all over the USA with these being built and empty land or yards or acres anywhere that can be donated or purchased to continue this community. Maybe like the program that builds houses for families across America. Have young people help volunteer and teach building skills. Make a volunteer building program. I see this having a lot of potential you are the leaders. Thank you.

    1. We are actually not in need of any wheelchairs at this time. And you can drop off monetary donations at 1624 Yout St, Racine, 53404. Thanks so much!

  18. Every summer I go to the Racine Co. fair, view the tiny home and leave a donation. I would like to do more.
    I’ve been crocheting lap robes that are about 39″ square. Just the right size for a tiny home. I would like to give one to each Vet. If this ok? It’s something each Vet could take with when they move out. Please let me know the number of homes currently occupied. It would be nice to deliver them be Veterans Day.

    1. Hi there Janice! Sorry for the late reply, we had a staff change during the time that you wanted a reply back. You most certainly CAN crochet lap robes for the vets! We have 15 Tiny Homes, in which all are occupied! Let us know if you would still like to do this, lap robes are great to use in this cold winter weather! If not, no worries. We greatly thank you of your kind thoughts! If you still wish to make them, you can drop them off anytime during our donation hours, which are Monday-Thursdays from 10am-5pm, Fridays 10am-2pm!

  19. Hi my name is Dakota Taylor and I am 13 years old with the boy scouts of America out of Williams Bay Troop 237 and I was wanting to help make homes for my veterans. I am from delavan Wisconsin. Can you please get back to me with information to start a tiny homes village in my community

    1. As of right now, we ARE in need of a couple of volunteers on Mondays from 10am-1pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays 10am-Noon stocking/organizing non-perishable food items in our Food Pantry! After the holidays, we will be working more on demolishing the building across the street. We bought the building in order to expand our food pantry so that we can accept larger donations once it is done! If you know of anyone that would like to help with that specific project, feel free to send us their contact info too! Otherwise, we are compiling a volunteer spreadsheet soon so that we can keep in touch with those that want to volunteer better when there are opportunities.

    1. If you go to our “Support Us” tab on our website, it will say “Needs for Pantry” as an option. When you click that section, it will list food, clothing and what other household/toiletries are needed! Otherwise you can stop by during our business hours and we always have small print-off slips with the same, most needed item list as well! Let us know if you have any other questions! Sorry for the delay & Happy Holidays!

    2. To see what items we are in need of in our Food Pantry, simply go to our homepage, hover over the “Support Us” tab, click the “Needs for Pantry” section, and it will list what items are needed in regards to food, household items, clothing, etc! If you still need help with it, I can email you the printed here at our center in Racine at 1624 Yout St., just let us know! Sorry for the delayed response again and hope you have a Happy Holiday if we don’t hear from you!

    3. To see what items we are in need of in our Food Pantry, you can go to our homepage, hover over the “Support Us” tab, click the “Needs for Pantry” section, and it will list what items are needed in regards to food, household items, clothing, etc! If you still need help with it, we can email you the printed version here at our center in Racine at 1624 Yout St., just let us know! Sorry for the delayed response again and hope you have a Happy Holiday if we don’t hear from you!

    4. If you go to our “Support Us” tab on our website, it will say “Needs for Pantry” as an option. When you click that section, it will list food, clothing and what other household/toiletries are needed. Thank you for thinking of us and for any donation that you may be able to make!

  20. Sad that our veterans aren’t treated royally when they come home! Thank you for giving them this housing to get them on their feet. At 76 I probably can’t be much help, however, whatever I CAN do, I would like to help.

    1. Judy, we will add you to our volunteer email list! That way, when volunteer opportunities come up, you can choose to respond to the ones that you think you will be able to do! Anything helps, big or small! Thank you for your kind offer!

  21. Hello, I am a student nurse doing research on various outreach programs available to veterans and came across this website. I would definitely be interested in some volunteer opportunities this summer while I’m on break from school.

    1. You have been added you to our newsletter/volunteer email list so that you will get our updates when we are in need of volunteers! Thank you so much for offering your help!

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