FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — A Fayetteville nonprofit will break ground on a tiny cottage village aimed at providing permanent housing for homeless veterans after three years of planning and fundraising.
Project details and funding
The project, called Inasmuch Village, is led by Inasmuch, a Christian nonprofit based at Hillsboro and Chance streets. The organization said the development will include 16 fully furnished one-bedroom cottages, with four units ADA-compliant to accommodate veterans with mobility challenges. Local philanthropists Ralph and Linda Huff of Huff Family Office have pledged $2 million to back the project.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cottages | 16 one-bedroom, fully furnished |
| ADA units | 4 |
| Backers | Ralph and Linda Huff — $2 million |
Local partners and model
Inasmuch officials said they studied other village-style models around the country, including Eaton Village in Wilmington, to shape the Fayetteville plan. The organization plans to make the cottages accessible, reporting that all units will have an open floor mat to assist residents with mobility issues.
- Project name: Inasmuch Village
- Location: Inasmuch campus at Hillsboro and Chance streets (Fayetteville)
- Timeline: Three years in development; ground-breaking planned
"Our veterans have put their lives on the line for us, for everyone. And we need to make sure that they're taken care of," said Craig Morrison, executive director of Inasmuch.
Why it matters for Cumberland County
Stacey Buckner of Veterans Services of the Carolinas, a partner in the initiative, said the village will expand local capacity to house veterans. Buckner noted her organization serves "anywhere between 100 and 150 veterans experiencing homelessness a week" across North Carolina, and that the Fayetteville site will be an important addition to placement options in Cumberland County.
The project links philanthropy, local nonprofits and veteran services in an effort to move people from street homelessness to permanent, supportive housing. For a county that serves as home to a large military and veteran population, the village represents a focused attempt to address veteran homelessness through small-scale, accessible housing units coupled with local support services.
Inasmuch leaders say the village builds on their existing recovery and long-term stability efforts and is intended to provide a place veterans can "truly call home." Officials did not announce a firm completion date or detailed operating plan; further timing and program details are expected as the organization moves from planning to construction.
