KIRBYVILLE, Texas — A nonprofit in Kirbyville is helping people recover following last month's storms.
The main focus of the Rural Homeless Network is helping veterans.
The Rural Homeless Network provided a tiny home for a veteran who was displaced because of flooding and they plan on building more.
The veteran who is now living inside one of these tiny homes tells 12News he's finally able to get a good night's rest.
"I would be in a tent out at the house if it hadn't been for this," said Don Biscamp.
Biscamp is a Kirbyville resident and veteran who found himself without a home after last month's flood.
"My home is gutted right now, down to the studs," Biscamp said.
Luckily, while staying at the Red Cross shelter he was approached by a member of the Rural Homeless Network. They offered him a chance to stay in their tiny home community.
"We have two homes that are ready to live in, one could use a little more fine tuning. We have a couple of campers with a third one coming for temporary purposes to house some of the flood victims," said Executive Director Wesley Bell.
The nonprofit is hoping to build 20 tiny homes, so those in need can have a place to call home.
"We'll have an outdoor pavilion, with restrooms, and an outdoor kitchen. We want to encourage socialization," Bell said.
The nonprofit started in 2017 and their mission is to help veterans who are experiencing homelessness.
"It's hard to believe that in our small communities there's 60, 70 and 80 homeless people living in tents, shacks and cars," said Board Member Father Ron Foshage.
Creating this sanctuary hasn't been easy or cheap and Foshage says they still need donations to complete the project.
"We need about $400,000 or $500,000 to complete the task, and since COVID, fundraising became so difficult. Then all of our grants fell through," Foshage said.
Biscamp encourages others in need of a place to stay to reach out to the nonprofit.
"If you get off the streets something like this right here, you got a chance. You got a better chance," he said.
Bell says that right now none of the residents are having to pay rent. They are hoping to get special VA vouchers that will help pay up to 70% of resident's monthly rent.
Foshage is offering counseling services to the veterans.
To find if you qualify for a tiny home you can visit their website or their office at 323 East Main Street in Kirbyville or you can contact the administrator Alan Mays at 409-622-9082.