One year into partnership, Longmont’s fiber brightens lives for VCP
Kim goes to the doctor without leaving her home. Dave is finding long-term security through online resources, while Michael found job training. Allan gets to see his family regularly and even check in with his dog once a week over video.
All four are residents of the Veterans Community Project Village in Longmont. And all four – and many more like them – have benefitted from VCP’s partnership with NextLight, which recently completed its first year.
“Being homeless for so many years made the job search very difficult,” said Michael (whose last name has been withheld for privacy). “Since coming to VCP, I have been able to search for jobs, stream our favorite movies, play games and use social media. The internet has made my life so much easier. Last week I started my new job!”
Opened in 2025, the VCP Village features 26 fully-furnished tiny homes – between 240 and 320 square feet – designed for both individuals and families. The project began as a collaboration between VCP, HMS Development and the City of Longmont as a means to address veteran homelessness. As part of that, all the homes are connected to Longmont’s community-owned NextLight internet service.
The results have been life-changing for the inhabitants, providing:
Wellness: Transportation barriers had made health care difficult for Kim. NextLight has now allowed her to attend telehealth appointments with all her providers, participate in therapy sessions and stay connected to the care she needs.
Purpose: Using NextLight’s reliable connections, Michael has been completing an online security training program that would have otherwise been out of reach. That in turn has opened the door to new skills and greater independence.
Opportunity: For Dave, NextLight has been a tool to help him reach greater financial security and a long-term housing solution. From home, he’s been able to apply for benefits, emergency assistance and jobs, giving him a more stable foundation to build a future on.
Support: Allan’s high-speed NextLight connection literally means the world to him. His regular video chats with his family keep his relationships strong, which in turn pushes back isolation and helps his own wellness. (And seeing his beloved dog every week on camera doesn’t hurt, either!)
“All of these residents served and supported their country, and we’re honored to serve and support them now,” said Valerie Dodd, NextLight’s executive director. “NextLight starts with community, and when our veterans can use those connections to improve their lives, the whole community is stronger for it.”
“At VCP, we know that fixing veteran homelessness takes more than a roof,” said Jennifer Seybold, “Through our partnership with NextLight, we’re able to make reliable, high-quality internet part of every home in our Village at a cost that is sustainable for our program. It’s a partnership that strengthens the work our Veterans are already doing to build what comes next.”
Anyone who wants to help support VCP’s work is invited to attend the annual fundraising VCP House Party, which runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Left Hand Brewing. The event will include food and drink, live music from Groove Holiday, a live auction and an opportunity to hear from an alumnus of the program about the impact of VCP’s work. Tickets can be purchased at https://vcp.org/event/the-house-party-longmont/.
Find out more about the VCP Village at https://vcp.org/about-vcp/our-locations/longmont/
About NextLight
NextLight is Longmont’s community-owned fiber-optic internet service, empowering a fully connected Longmont with the resources for life. NextLight has made Longmont the first “gigabit city” in Colorado and been nationally recognized for its speed, affordability and quality. To learn more, visit www.mynextlight.com.
