A $50,000 gift moves four veteran tiny homes forward in North Platte

First National Bank of Omaha gave $50,000 to Honor Homes at Patty's Place, KNOP reported. The North Platte project is a set of tiny homes for veterans who are homeless or under financial strain. The Connection Homeless Shelter said the money will complete electrical work and restart four homes that had been waiting on more funds. Seven homes are planned in all.

Ashley Lewis, of The Connection, said many veterans they serve have needs that make a safe, steady place hard to find, and that these homes are meant to be that place. The shelter plans to offer the first unit to a man staying there now, and Lewis said veterans from the North Platte area are already on a waiting list. Laura Troshynski, of the bank, said it was inspiring to see people come together, including veterans who volunteer on the work. She described a lot that had become an eyesore as the start of a community cornerstone. Organizers estimate the whole development at about $300,000. More than $150,000 has been raised in cash and donated labor. The Connection hopes the first veterans can move in before winter or early in the spring. The gift funds the next construction. Nobody has moved in yet.