Valley non-profit that builds tiny homes for veterans headed to national stage

PHOENIX (FOX 10) - An Arizona non-profit organization that builds tiny homes for veterans is headed to the national stage to showcase one of its models as well as to promote affordable housing.

To combat the challenge of finding affordable housing in the Valley, Build Us HOPE created the first sustainable tiny home community for veterans this year. Now, the organization is headed to Washington, D.C., representing Arizona and shedding light on a big issue.

Tucked away on 13th Ave and Buckeye is a village of three micro homes known as V-13. Each unit is less than 300 square feet. But more importantly, it's a chance for veterans to live comfortably.

Elizabeth Singleton, president of Build Us HOPE, says there's a demand for tiny homes in Arizona. And now a model will be on display at the first ever Innovative Housing Showcase at the national mall in Washington, D.C. next month.

"We believe that this is a quick, beautiful, affordable fix for some of the homeless issues that we have and just affordable housing concerns," said Singleton. "We are rushing to build a prototype like that this that will actually be livable, but it will be smaller."

Build Us HOPE is just one of 16 exhibitors. As the showcase is presented to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, model homes will be sold and help fund more tiny homes for vets to be built. Expanding the village on 13th, Singleton says more housing is needed right here in Arizona.

"We do need 210,000 affordable units here in Arizona, especially our workforce housing," said Singleton. "So we definitely know that it'll bring a spotlight to Arizona so that we are able to build here."

Build Us HOPE is fundraising for this trip. If you'd like to donate to the cause, visit https://buildushope.org/.