The Longmont Public Library is holding a virtual program next week to discuss a new approach for addressing homelessness among U.S. veterans.

The Veterans Community Project broke ground in August on a village of tiny homes in west Longmont that will be used to provide free housing to local veterans.

In the library’s program, Paul Melroy from VCP will talk about how they developed the tiny village concept and the goals for the Longmont village based on experiences in other cities.

VCP is a Missouri-based nonprofit that constructs the tiny home villages.

The homes are designed with the specific needs of veterans in mind, including creating atmospheres to minimize post-traumatic stress disorder triggers.

Each tiny home comes with new furniture, appliances, housewares, bedding, personal items and utilities.

The villages are equipped with specially trained VCP employees who work to address the underlying causes of each individual’s homelessness. The villages also provide services to help residents get back to self-sufficiency.

The Longmont tiny village will be the first to be constructed outside of Missouri.

The library will discuss the “Tiny Homes for Homeless Veterans” program via Webex on Jan. 7 from 7 to 8 p.m.

Participation is limited to 100 people on a first-come-first-serve basis. Interested participants can register online at longmontcolorado.gov.