SAVANNAH, Ga. — Over the last four years, a unique tiny home community has transformed the lives of more than 150 homeless veterans, providing them with a safe haven and a fresh start.

“A roof over one’s head is where the journey out of homelessness begins,” remarked Jennifer Dulong, Executive Director of the Chatham Savannah Authority for the Homeless (CSAH). Her organization, in collaboration with local outreach groups like the Salvation Army, Union Mission, and Inner City Night Shelter, has been pivotal in reaching veterans facing the harsh realities of life without a home.

CSAH’s support doesn’t stop at providing shelter. From the moment a veteran is identified, they are guided towards essential services, including mental and physical health care, and assistance in accessing Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits—resources that many of them have never been able to utilize before.

When a vacancy arises among the 46 homes in the community, a veteran can step into a fully furnished unit equipped with beds, linens, kitchenware, and more. Beyond their personal space, residents at the Cove benefit from shared amenities such as laundry facilities, clubhouses, an on-site medical clinic, and a scenic walking path.

Once one of the 46 houses opens, a veteran can move in. The unit is fully furnished with beds, linens, towels, kitchen items and more. At the Cove, veterans have access to laundry units, clubhouses, an on-site medical clinic and a walking path.

“There is so much empowerment that comes to being able to lock a door, have your agency, have your privacy and be able to make decisions for yourself,” said Dulong. “Having housing, specifically for veterans who are previously unhoused, allows them the opportunity to heal from the trauma of homelessness, but also heal from the things that lead them to their homelessness.”

The Cove at Dundee has stood as an example for other cities fighting the same battle. Dulong said they have built a foundation that they are now sharing with others to start their own tiny home villages.