Tiny home project to support the homeless breaks ground in Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. — Three years of planning and fundraising hits a milestone in Joplin. Vita Nova broke ground today on a future homeless housing site.

The plot of land at 12th and South Byers Avenue will hold up to 20 tiny homes. Fundraising for the project continues, but project leaders say they have a clear vision of what's to come.

"I see a beautiful gated community with different colored homes with porches. A lot of green space. We'll have pathways that go from home to home. Neighbors sitting out on the front porch, talking to each other and building relationships," said Rhonda Thompson, Vita Nova executive director.

So far, the project has raised about $1.7 million, about 30 percent of the overall total.

And, it's also getting a boost thanks to a $1.2 million grant for the Workforce Investment Board. It comes from the U.S. Department of Labor. Part of it will pay for three of the Vita Nova tiny homes. Those will be specifically dedicated for 16 to 24-year-old dropouts.

The funding will also pay for training in the trades. The grant is one of more than 70 awarded across the nation, with $99 million dedicated to training workers for high-demand industries.