The United States continues to face a growing housing crisis that has reached alarming levels. Vulnerable populations, particularly veterans, bear the brunt of this challenge. Over 40,000 veterans experience homelessness nationwide, 10% of whom are women, often with children. Despite their sacrifices, many veterans live in unsafe, inadequate, and unaffordable housing. Volumetric Building Companies (VBC) is addressing this issue head-on with an innovative approach to affordable housing. The Veteran’s Village project in Philadelphia is not just a step forward but a blueprint for meaningful, systemic change.
Affordable housing for veterans often falls short of basic standards, lacking basic essential appliances and amenities, and failing to provide the dignity veterans deserve. Compounding this issue, traditional construction methods are expensive and slow, making it difficult to meet the urgent demand for housing. Despite ongoing efforts, many communities still lack sustainable permanent housing tailored to veterans' unique needs.
Homelessness among veterans persists as a national crisis, and it is clear that the current system is not working. This dire situation demands bold action. At VBC, we believe that veterans deserve more than just a shelter, but homes that they can take pride in. That belief inspired the development of Veterans Village, a beacon of hope that demonstrates that high-quality and cost-effective housing is achievable, setting the stage for broader systematic change.
Spearheaded by the Veterans Villages organization, this flagship project represents a groundbreaking approach to affordable housing. The Bernard Spain Campus, located in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, opened in May of 2023. This 47-unit permanent housing community was designed specifically for veterans transitioning from shelters or temporary housing. Using modular construction techniques, VBC delivered the project in just four months for $6 million, a third of what similar projects typically require.
The development includes apartments ranging from studios to three-bedroom units and features wheelchair accessibility, a community room, and outdoor communal spaces. Veterans Village was created as more than just a roof over its residents' heads but as a place for the heroes of our nation to come together as a community to support one another.
Veterans Village is designed to be more than a standalone solution but a replicable blueprint for communities across the country. By leveraging the modular construction process, we reduced costs and construction time while still maintaining the necessary high standard of quality and sustainability we hold as a value here at VBC. When people think of affordable housing, many think of cramped, uninspiring spaces, but Veterans Village defies these stereotypes by offering spacious apartments that instill pride in residents.
This approach allows us to not only envision but create a future where affordable housing is both dignified and accessible, without having to compromise on safety or aesthetics. The Village also underscores the importance of permanent solutions. Unlike temporary shelters or transitional housing, this model offers stability and dignity.
Veterans Village is not just about addressing the immediate housing needs of veterans. By sharing its architectural plans and construction expertise, the project invites others to join the mission of solving the housing crisis. Through expanding its impact across the spectrum of needs, the project aims to establish 15 similar villages across the U.S. and internationally within three years. These villages will serve not only veterans but also other vulnerable populations, including survivors of abuse, children aging out of foster care, and seniors. Veterans Village provides a roadmap for addressing affordable housing on a global scale.
The Philadelphia Veterans Village was completed in just fourteen months at a cost of $6 million, only a third of the typical budget for similar projects. This was achieved through modular construction, with units built within our off site factories and then delivered and assembled on location. This method not only reduced costs but also expedited the construction process, allowing veterans to move into their new homes sooner. By leveraging modern construction techniques and building strong partnerships, VBC was able to overcome obstacles and deliver a project that sets a new standard for affordable housing.
The Veterans Village is more than just a project for VBC, but a testament to what can be achieved when compassion meets innovation. Proving that affordable housing can be both high-quality and cost-effective, setting a new standard for the industry.
We invite you to join us in this mission, and together we can create sustainable, dignified housing solutions for those who need it most. Get in touch to discuss your next affordable housing project, and let's continue building the future together.