PHOENIX — It was a life changing day for a Valley woman who found herself homeless and dealing with mental health issues, after years of serving in the Army in places all around the world.
Sunday, Nikki Bagley got the chance to say thank you to the people who made it possible for her to move out of her car and into her very own home— a tiny home.
“Lots of emotions,” said Bagley.
She was one of the lucky recipients of a home in The Village on 13th. It’s the first-ever Veteran's tiny house community in Maricopa County. Bagley is counting her blessings, because she hasn't always been this fortunate.
In her 10 years in the U.S. Army, Bagley traveled all over the world.
When she got home in 1996, she didn't have the education many veterans do today.
“Where to go, what to do, who to see… I ended up homeless. Long story short, I gave all my money away,” Bagley said.
She was living out of her car when she was working on a tiny home project for kids aging out of foster care. That's when someone connected her with the Build us H.O.P.E. organization.
“When I found out, I was like, 'Why didn't you tell, me?' I said I was very surprised,” said Elizabeth Singleton, founder of Build us H.O.P.E. organization. “It was very heartbreaking.”
Singleton immediately stepped up.
“We have to find somewhere for you to live, because we can’t have you homeless,” she told Bagley.
A few years ago, when the CASS overflow shelter was closing, her daughter suggested building tiny houses for people in the homeless community.
“She said, 'Mom, we’re not really solving the problem, but housing can and I love tiny houses, so let’s build the homeless tiny houses,'” Singleton said. “Not only was it affordable and feasible, it also created a sense of community.”
A couple years later now, after permits and coming up with the blueprints, the tiny house community is complete, and Bagley calls it home. Singleton said it was a perfect storm of happiness.
“I am so grateful, so very, very grateful for people who have the heart to do something so, so amazing as this, so beautiful,” Bagley said.
Volunteers hope what they built gives Bagley and others a sense of community.
“Belonging and feeling safe, because I’m sure Nikki doesn't feel safe sleeping in her car or out on the street,” said volunteer Lisa Montgomery.
Bagley is hoping other veterans learn to accept a lending hand. In her case, she was able to start a new beginning with a roof over her head.
The Build us H.O.P.E. project was made by possible by a number of companies and organizations including Home Depot, Phoenix Union High School, LP Smart Siding, Loan Depot Floor and Décor, TuffNow, Dunn Edwards and Dirtt.